Research progress in mitochondrial transfer mediated by tunneling nanotube in the field of tumor

Mitochondria, as the main site of cell metabolism and energy generation, contains the genome encoding the respiratory chain-associated complexes. Deletions or mutations of mitochondria will lead to mitochondrial respiratory chain deficiencies and these deficiencies play an important role in metabolic reprogramming which is considered as one of the important features of tumorigenesis and development. Many studies have found that tunneling nanotube (TNT), a well-established mitochondrial transfer pathway, is able to restore mitochondrial respiratory deficiencies. This review article focuses on the occurrence of mitochondrial transfer, the mechanism of TNT formation and the promising therapeutic targets acting on mitochondrial transfer.