Mitochondrial Transplantation: Adaptive Bio-enhancement

Abstract

Abstract Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, are essential for cellular energy production. Dysfunction in mitochondrial function can significantly affect various organs. Transplanting healthy mitochondria can enhance the bioenergetics of diseased cells and treat various conditions, yet the limits of mitochondrial transplantation are still unknown. Our study reveals that the source of transplanted mitochondria is not restricted by species, and recipient cells show no significant immune response to mitochondria from different lineages. We also found that metabolic compatibility between the recipient and exogenous mitochondria is crucial, and transplanting mitochondria from different species can endow recipient cells with distinct characteristics to combat diseases. Furthermore, our data indicate that there is competition among mitochondria with varying functions, with more powerful mitochondria yielding better therapeutic effects. Notably, we have not yet found an upper limit for the bio-enhancement provided by exogenous mitochondria. Our research proposes a feasible path for human bio-enhancement through mitochondrial transplantation—adaptive bio-enhancement. Mitochondrial transplantation is a highly clinically valuable technique. I have further expanded the variety of mitochondrial sources for transplantation and demonstrated the potential of mitochondrial transplantation to adaptively enhance biological functions.