Mitochondrial transfer mediates endothelial cell engraftment through mitophagy. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38693258/)

These scientists were studying ways to help people with diseases that affect the blood vessels in their bodies, like the heart and legs. They wanted to see if they could use a type of cell called endothelial cells to help treat these diseases. Endothelial cells are important for building blood vessels, but they need another type of cell called mesenchymal stromal cells to help them work properly.

The scientists discovered that when the mesenchymal stromal cells are under stress, they can transfer tiny energy-producing structures called mitochondria to the endothelial cells through special tubes called tunnelling nanotubes. This transfer of mitochondria helps the endothelial cells work better and form new blood vessels in areas where blood flow is restricted.

To test this idea, the scientists tried a new method where they artificially transplanted mitochondria into the endothelial cells. This temporary boost in energy helped the endothelial cells build functional blood vessels in areas with poor blood flow, even without the support of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Interestingly, the transplanted mitochondria did not become a permanent part of the endothelial cells' own mitochondria, but instead triggered a process called mitophagy, where the cells clean up and recycle the extra mitochondria. The scientists found that a specific pathway called the PINK1-Parkin pathway was important for this process.

Overall, the scientists discovered a new way for cells to share energy-producing structures and improve blood vessel formation. This research could lead to new treatments for people with vascular diseases in the future.

Lin RZ., Im GB., Luo AC., Zhu Y., Hong X., Neumeyer J., Tang HW., Perrimon N., Melero-Martin JM. Mitochondrial transfer mediates endothelial cell engraftment through mitophagy. Nature. 2024 May;629(8012):660-668. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07340-0. Epub 2024 May 1.