Stem Cells as Drug-like Biologics for Mitochondrial Repair in Stroke

Abstract

<jats:p>Stroke is a devastating condition characterized by widespread cell death after disruption of blood flow to the brain. The poor regenerative capacity of neural cells limits substantial recovery and prolongs disruptive sequelae. Current therapeutic options are limited and do not adequately address the underlying mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the stroke. These same mitochondrial impairments that result from acute cerebral ischemia are also present in retinal ischemia. In both cases, sufficient mitochondrial activity is necessary for cell survival, and while astrocytes are able to transfer mitochondria to damaged tissues to rescue them, they do not have the capacity to completely repair damaged tissues. Therefore, it is essential to investigate this mitochondrial transfer pathway as a target of future therapeutic strategies. In this review, we examine the current literature pertinent to mitochondrial repair in stroke, with an emphasis on stem cells as a source of healthy mitochondria. Stem cells are a compelling cell type to study in this context, as their ability to mitigate stroke-induced damage through non-mitochondrial mechanisms is well established. Thus, we will focus on the latest preclinical research relevant to mitochondria-based mechanisms in the treatment of cerebral and retinal ischemia and consider which stem cells are ideally suited for this purpose.</jats:p>

Mitochondria-Targeted Drug Delivery

“…Lacking mitochondria in damaged tissues can be obtained from astrocytes in order to rescue them, however without the capacity to completely repair damaged tissues. Farooq et al investigate current literature about mitochondrial transfer pathway as a target of future therapeutic strategies with an emphasis on stem cells as a source of healthy mitochondria [4]. Tissue damage and mitochondria in the contest of inflammation due to the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) present in outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is an object of Fock and Parnova's review.…”

“…In conclusion, this Special Issue underlines importance of mitochondria in pathophysiological situation such as: genetic disorders [1,2], cardiovascular diseases [3,4], inflammation [5] and cancer [6][7][8][9][10]. Indicates new tools to selective target mitochondria in order to: rescue aberrant cell phenotype, change cell metabolism or induces mitochondria dependent cell death [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”