Neurodegeneration and Mitochondria Organelle Transplantation: “A Technology That Proof of Principle Suggest Is Ready for Prime Time”

R L Elliott,X P Jiang

doi:10.4236/nm.2020.114013

Abstract

It is known that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Researchers have tested the therapeutic efficacy of many mitochondrial targeted agents; however, results have been disappointing without significant impact on disease survival. Several groups have demonstrated that mitochondrial transfer of isolated normal healthy mitochondria to defective calls can restore functional recovery. Our experience with mitochondria organelle transplantation (MOT) in cancer cells led to investigating the technology for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), especially ALS. The rationale was that if the uptake of normal mitochondria into cancer cells inhibited proliferation and glycolysis; then MOT might be a cell-based therapy for NDs. In this communication, we will present background research on MOT in vitro and in vivo cell culture and animal models respectively. This research evidence showed proof of principle of the technology. This fact led us to try the procedure on a desperate human ALS patient.

Highlights

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) known as Lou Gehrig’s disease involves both upper and lower motor neuron degeneration
It is known that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
In 2015, some of the Taiwan group with others presented an in vivo study that has contributed very much to the proof of principle that mitochondria organelle transplantation (MOT) is a viable biotherapy for mitochondrial disorders

Summary

Introduction

ALS known as Lou Gehrig’s disease involves both upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Our experience with mitochondria organelle transplantation (MOT) in cancer cells led to investigating the technology for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), especially ALS. Researchers have been involved in investigating injection techniques of mtDNA and mitochondria transfer to cells for many years.

Results

Conclusion