About: Horizontal transfer of mitochondria

Horizontal transfer of mitochondria is the movement of whole mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA between cells. Mitochondria from donor cells are transported and incorporated into the endogenous mitochondrial network of recipient cells contributing to changes in the bioenergetics profile and in other functional properties of recipient cells. Horizontal cell-to-cell transfer of mitochondria and mitochondrial genome can occur among mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial transfer supports the exogenous replacement of damaged mitochondria, thereby rescuing mitochondrial defects. Stem cells, immortalized cells or primary cells are usually used as mitochondrial donors in most studies. These cells may transfer mitochondria to surrounding cells in their niche, thus affecting cell diffe