Biomedical engineers at Texas A&M report a method that increases mitochondrial production in stem cells and allows those mitochondria to move to aging or damaged cells. Mitochondrial decline is linked to aging, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders, so restoring cellular energy could affect many areas of medicine.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used microscopic flower-shaped nanoparticles called nanoflowers together with stem cells. In the presence of nanoflowers, stem cells produced about twice the normal number of mitochondria, and they transferred two to four times more mitochondria than untreated cells.
With new mitochondria, previously damaged cells regained energy production and function and resisted cell death, even after exposure to damaging agents such as chemotherapy drugs. The researchers described the treated stem cells as "mitochondrial bio factories."
The nanoparticles are made of molybdenum disulfide and remain in the cell, where they keep promoting mitochondrial creation. Because these particles are larger than many small-molecule drugs, therapies based on them could potentially need only monthly administration. The team suggested applications such as placing cells near the heart for cardiomyopathy or injecting them into muscle for muscular dystrophy.
Difficult words
- mitochondria — small cell parts that make energy
- stem cells — a cell that can become other cells
- nanoflowers — very small particle shaped like a flower
- nanoparticles — very small piece of material for medicine
- molybdenum disulfide — a chemical compound used to make particles
- cardiomyopathy — a disease that weakens the heart muscle
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which suggested application — placing cells near the heart for cardiomyopathy or injecting them into muscle for muscular dystrophy — would interest you more? Why?
- What are two possible advantages of a therapy that needs only monthly administration?
- Before trying a therapy with nanoparticles in your cells, what questions would you ask your doctor?
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