Editorial to the special issue on extracellular vesicles and mitochondria in CNS function and disease

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as critical mediators of cell-to-cell communication. More recently, a subset of these vesicles has been found to contain mitochondria (EV-Mito). These mitochondria-bearing EVs may act as non-cell-autonomous signaling entities and serve as potential biomarkers for injury and recovery in central nervous system (CNS) pathophysiology. Mitochondria play a vital role in regulating cellular respiration, metabolism, and overall tissue function. In the context of CNS injury or disease, mitochondrial dysfunction can disrupt metabolic homeostasis, leading to cell death and inflammation. Consequently, restoring mitochondrial function represents a key therapeutic target with strong translational potential. This special issue of JCBFM presents a multidisciplinary collection of high-impact reviews and original research articles. These contributions cover a broad spectrum—from basic studies on EV-mediated mechanisms in CNS disorders and the molecular pathways underlying intercellular mitochondrial transfer, to therapeutic applications of EVs and mitochondrial transplantation in cellular and animal models. The issue also highlights the latest clinical trial developments assessing the feasibility of EV and mitochondrial transplantation in cerebral ischemia. Collectively, these articles offer valuable insights into emerging research directions and underscore the many unresolved questions that remain—particularly regarding the quantitative thresholds required for treatment efficacy and the molecular mechanisms driving beneficial tissue remodeling.