Therapeutic mitochondrial transplantation

Ischemia-reperfusion injury can occur in a variety of organs resulting in deleterious effects that significantly compromise cellular function and viability. Mitochondria have been shown to play a major role in the consequential endpoints resulting from ischemia and reperfusion injury. In a series of studies, we have developed a novel therapeutic intervention to ameliorate the effects ischemia-reperfusion injury on mitochondria through organelle transplantation, specifically mitochondrial transplantation. In this mini-review, prepared for a broad audience, the current literature and scope of mitochondrial transplantation in experimental in vitro and animal studies and from a recent clinical study in human pediatric patients are presented.