Given the essential functions of these organelles in cell homeostasis, their involvement in incurable diseases and their potential in biotechnological applications, genetic transformation of mitochondria has been a long pursued goal that has only been reached in a couple of unicellular organisms. The challenge led scientists to explore a wealth of different strategies for mitochondrial delivery of DNA or RNA in living cells. These are the subject of the present review. Targeting DNA into the organelles currently shows promise but remarkably a number of alternative approaches based on RNA trafficking were also established and will bring as well major contributions.
Keywords: Mitochondria; Nanocarriers; Neurodegenerative disease; RNA trafficking; Transfection.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.