Cells share mitochondria to protect nerves from pain When cells share mitochondria, nerve pain can be reduced
A new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that mitochondrial transfer between cells can protect nerves from pain-causing damage, revealing a promising therapeutic strategy for peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy often caused by chemotherapy or diabetes occurs when sensory neurons lose healthy mitochondria and can no longer produce enough energy to function properly. This leads to pain, weakness, and nerve dysfunction.
Researchers discovered that satellite glial cells, which surround sensory neurons in structures called dorsal root ganglia, can transfer mitochondria directly to neurons through tiny cellular bridges known as tunnelling nanotubes.
This mitochondrial transfer proved essential for nerve health. When scientists disrupted the formation of nanotubes or reduced levels of the motor protein MYO10, mitochondrial transfer declined and pain sensitivity increased in mice.
Encouragingly, restoring mitochondrial transfer reversed these effects. Injecting healthy satellite glial cells or even isolated mitochondria into affected nerve regions reduced pain sensitivity in mouse models of diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
Human tissue samples showed similar biology: supporting cells from healthy donors displayed stronger mitochondrial-transfer capacity than those from people with diabetes.
Together, the findings highlight a growing concept in mitochondrial medicine: mitochondria can act as transferable therapeutic units, capable of restoring cellular energy and function in damaged tissues.
If translated clinically, strategies that enhance mitochondrial transfer or deliver healthy mitochondria could open a new path for treating chronic nerve pain and neurodegenerative conditions.
One of the hit topic of Targeting Mitochondria 2026 is Mitochondria Transfer and clinical impacts.
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Image Credit
Scientists found that specialized cells, called satellite glial cells, can transfer mitochondria (red) to neurons through thin nanotubes that connect the two cells.
Ru-Rong Ji lab, Duke University School of Medicine
Referance
Mitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons protects against peripheral neuropathy. Xu J, Li Y, Novak C, Lee M, Yan Z, Bang S, McGinnis A, Chandra S, Zhang V, He W, Lechler T, Rodriguez Salazar MP, Eroglu C, Becker ML, Velmeshev D, Cheney RE, Ji RR. Nature. 2026 Jan 7. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09896-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41501451.
We are pleased to announce that the 17th Conference Targeting Mitochondria 2026 will be held in Berlin, Germany, from October 21-23. We look forward to welcoming you.
