The Next Frontier in Mitochondrial Medicine: Transplantation, Transfer, and Therapeutic Innovations

Mitochondrial medicine is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of cellular bioenergetics, disease pathology, and therapeutic innovation. Mitochondria, as key regulators of energy metabolism, cell death, and intracellular signaling, play a pivotal role in health and disease. Dysfunctional mitochondria have been implicated not only in primary mitochondrial diseases but also in a wide spectrum of secondary conditions, ranging from cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders to age-associated pathologies. Recent advances have uncovered the potential of mitochondrial transplantation and transfer as therapeutic strategies, while new interventions targeting mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and quality control are gaining prominence. Landmark studies have highlighted both the promise and complexity of these approaches—yet, much remains to be clarified regarding their mechanistic underpinnings, translational viability, and long-term safety. Despite considerable progress, key challenges persist in optimizing delivery, ensuring functional integration, overcoming immunological barriers, and establishing robust clinical protocols.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive platform for advancing our understanding of mitochondrial transplantation, transfer, and mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies. The objective is to bridge gaps between mechanistic discoveries and clinical translation, foster the development of personalized and regenerative approaches, and explore innovative technologies for organelle and cellular engineering. By inviting contributions ranging from mechanistic explorations to translational models and early clinical trials, the research topic seeks to address unresolved questions about efficacy, safety, scalability, and therapeutic scope. Special attention will be given to studies that elucidate mitochondrial roles in both physiological regulation and disease pathology, as well as those addressing ethical and methodological challenges in this rapidly expanding area.To gather further insights in this multidisciplinary field, we particularly encourage submissions that investigate both fundamental biology and clinically oriented innovations, while recognizing the challenges and frontiers of mitochondrial research. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Mitochondrial transplantationo Mitochondria transfer techniques and outcomeso Mechanistic studies of mitochondrial physiology and dysfunctiono Innovative mitochondria-targeted interventions and therapieso mtDNA–nDNA interactions and their roles in cellular function and pathologyo Mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and quality control mechanismso Preclinical and translational models of mitochondrial therapyo Scientific, ethical, and methodological considerations in mitochondrial therapiesAppendix: Original research articles, reviews, short communications, perspectives, and commentaries are encouraged.Note: Dr. Antonietta Franco previously served as a Technical Consultant for Mitochondria in Motion and received grant support from the company as a Co-PI in 2021 and 2022. Topic editors: Oner Ulger, Gokhan Burcin Kubat, Antonietta Franco Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79361/the-next-frontier-in-mitochondrial-medicine-transplantation-transfer-and-therapeutic-innovations