The role and mechanism of mitochondrial functions and energy metabolism in the function regulation of the mesenchymal stem cells

Wanhao Yan,Zhipeng Fan,Shu Diao

doi:10.1186/s13287-021-02194-z

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that show self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and paracrine and immune regulation. As a result of these properties, the MSCs have great clinical application prospects, especially in the regeneration of injured tissues, functional reconstruction, and cell therapy. However, the transplanted MSCs are prone to ageing and apoptosis and have a difficult to control direction differentiation. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively regulate the functions of the MSCs to promote their desired effects. In recent years, it has been found that mitochondria, the main organelles responsible for energy metabolism and adenosine triphosphate production in cells, play a key role in regulating different functions of the MSCs through various mechanisms. Thus, mitochondria could act as effective targets for regulating and promoting the functions of the MSCs. In this review, we discuss the research status and current understanding of the role and mechanism of mitochondrial energy metabolism, morphology, transfer modes, and dynamics on MSC functions.

Highlights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that show self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and paracrine and immune regulation
Many studies have reported that mitochondrial morphology, distribution, transfer, biogenesis, dynamics, mitophagy, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production play an important role in maintaining the functions of MSCs in local injury tissues
Further studies have shown that the function of MSCs can be regulated by key effect factors of mitochondrial energy metabolism, such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator1α (PGC-1α), sirtuin, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), Adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and uncoupling protein (UCP)

Summary

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that show self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and paracrine and immune regulation. Inhibition or promotion of the mitochondrial energy metabolismrelated factors can affect the differentiation, proliferation, and migration of the MSCs. The role of MMP in the regulation of MSCs function MMP is the driving force behind electron flow and ATP production; when OXPHOS is coupled with it, the free energy difference during the electron transfer causes the Energy metabolism pathway

Results

Conclusion