Using Mitochondria Therapy to Improve Restoration of Neuromuscular Function Following Injury
Abstract
Impairments in recovery from muscle injury in service personnel and civilians severely reduces their quality of life, independence, and ability to regain normal function. Mitochondria are like power stations within muscle and nerve cells that are necessary to provide energy for repair after an injury or trauma. However, injury also damages mitochondria which leads not only to a loss of energy in the cell and slows recovery, but activates pathways that impair repair from trauma. We hypothesize that dysfunctional mitochondria are central to poor regeneration from traumatic injury in soft tissue leading to reduced neuromuscular function and mobility, whereas improving mitochondria health and number will improve restoration of neuromuscular function. To test this hypothesis, we will evaluate the novel approach of transplanting mitochondria from healthy donor tissues to damaged tissues in preclinical models and determine whether the additional health mitochondria will improve restoration of neuromuscular function. To do this, we will examine the muscle’s ability to produce force and the restoration of normal nerve-muscle function after injury. In addition, we will examine whether rehabilitation after injury by exercise will be enhanced through mitochondrial transplantation. Furthermore, we will determine whether the donor source for healthy mitochondria is an important factor in determining the restoration of neuromuscular function. The primary impact of this project is that the findings can be used to support a clinical evaluation for improving the function and mobility of military Service members or civilians in war arenas who have sustained traumatic limb injuries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110187
Entities
People
- Stephen E Alway
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center