Fig. 1
From: Mitochondrial transfer/transplantation: an emerging therapeutic approach for multiple diseases
A simplified visualization of intercellular mitochondrial transfer modes. a Mitochondria are transported between cells via the TNT structure, and this transport is bidirectional. b The mitochondria-containing EVs bud off/are secreted from the donor cells and then uptake by recipient cells. c The mode of GJC-mediated mitochondrial transfer is ambiguous. Nonclassic form AGJs are plausible: mitochondria exist in the protrusions of donor cells, and the recipient cells connect to the donor cells through invaginating GJCs. Then the recipient cell internalizes GJCs and absorbs mitochondria. d Cell fusion can be spontaneous or artificial