The role and mechanism of mitophagy in regulating the function of mesenchymal stem cells

HE Yu; CHEN Xing-yu; ZENG Jing-xiang; CHEN Fang; LIU Fen; AN Ying

doi:10.15956/j.cnki.chin.j.conserv.dent.2025.06.008

Abstract：Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs),due to their multipotent differentiation potential,have become critical seed cells in the fields of cell therapy and tissue engineering.Mitophagy plays an important role in maintaining cell homeostasis especially in MSCs.Moderate mitophagy facilitates mitochondrial renewal and metabolism,thus maintaining the stemness and proliferation ability of MSCs.Additionally,mitophagy participate in the regulation of metabolism and immune responses of MSCs,contributing to intracellular homeostasis and delaying cellular senescence,which plays an highly significant role in the process of oral tissue repair.The underlying regulatory mechanisms include ubiquitin-dependent pathways,non-ubiquitin-dependent pathways and non-classical pathways.This review provides a comprehensive summary of the roles and mechanisms of mitophagy in regulating MSCs functions.It elaborates on the definition and function of mitophagy,as well as the specific processes and associated mechanisms through which it regulates MSCs behavior.Considering the importance of mitophagy in modulating the function of MSCs,this review also proposes that future research focus on the regulatory mechanism(such as lysosome-driven degradation pathways).In the field of stomatology,such investigations may offer novel insights and innovative solutions for addressing the challenges of alveolar bone loss caused by periodontitis and the repair of oral mucosal diseases.Meanwhile,combined with potential therapeutic value in neurodegenerative diseases,cardiovascular diseases,and other fields,it is expected to find new insights and therapeutic targets for MSC-based regenerative medicine and cell therapy,and promote the development of oral tissue repair and regenerative therapy.