Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Mitochondrial Transfer: a Therapeutic Approach for Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of death and adult disability worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of stroke-induced neuronal death, and maintaining mitochondrial function is essential in cell survival and neurological progress following ischemic stroke. Stem cell-mediated mitochondrial transfer represents an emerging therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke. Accumulating evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can directly transfer healthy mitochondria to damaged cells, and rescue mitochondrial damage-provoked tissue degeneration. This review summarizes the research on MSCs-mediated mitochondrial transfer as a therapeutic strategy against ischemic stroke.

Automated summary

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Maintaining mitochondrial function is crucial for cell survival and neurological progress post ischemic stroke. Stem cell-mediated mitochondrial transfer shows promise as a therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke, where mesenchymal stem cells can transfer healthy mitochondria to damaged cells and rescue tissue degeneration caused by mitochondrial damage.