Mitochondria on the move: Mitochondrial release and transfer in nervous system health and disease

While studies of mitochondria in the nervous system traditionally focus on their roles as key energy producers, mitochondria are increasingly recognised as essential determinants of nervous system development, function, and disease. The conventional understanding of mitochondria places them within the confines of individual neurons and glial cells, where they support nervous system function and remain steadfast against cellular threats. However, emerging research is redefining the properties of mitochondria as highly dynamic modulators of the nervous system that can be released or transferred between neurons and glia as active repair or signalling effectors or for targeted glia-based degradation. Here, we discuss recent key reports of this dynamic transfer of mitochondria in the context of nervous system health and disease.