A novel technique prompts stem cells to divide and give their “powerhouses”—mitochondria—to aging and ailing cells, paving the way for treatments for age-related ailments.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University created a groundbreaking method for cellular rejuvenation based on mitochondrial transplantation. The main instrument involved synthetic nanoparticles of a unique, flower-like shape. The study is featured in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
With advancing age, mitochondria—the intracellular “power stations”—wear out, leading to cell dysfunction and the development of conditions like muscular dystrophy or Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists were aware that healthy stem cells can share their mitochondria with neighbors via special channels, but they could not govern this action.
How do the “flower” nanoparticles function?
The new synthetic nanoparticles, upon entering the body, target and stimulate stem cells. This encourages them to divide and widely transfer healthy mitochondria to damaged and senescent cells through natural protein nanotubes.
“We have enabled the conveyance of energetic resources from younger cells to those that most require them. This is analogous to an athlete passing some of their stamina to a fatigued teammate,” the technology’s authors explain.
Application Prospects
Experiments demonstrated that this “supplementation” significantly enhances the functional status of aging tissues. This technique holds immense promise for treating a broad range of age-related diseases and injuries where cellular energy deficiency is a key obstacle.
The initial focus area for the technology’s use will be therapy for muscular dystrophy. In the future, this approach could form the basis of new methods to combat aging and neurodegenerative pathologies.
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