Cloaked mitochondria extend survival in mouse model of mitochondrial disease
Researchers wrapped mitochondria in red blood cell membranes to shield them from destruction and facilitate cellular entry. In a Leigh syndrome mouse model, this capsule-like delivery increased survival by about two weeks (roughly 20%), with ~80% of cells taking up the mitochondria—significantly higher than naked mitochondria. The approach preserves the mitochondria’s membrane potential, marking a major efficiency advance, though some scientists caution that claims such as preventing Parkinson’s disease in mice may be overstated.