This research investigates how satellite glial cells (SGCs) support the immense energy needs of sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia through mitochondrial transfer. Scientists utilized MitoTag mice and human tissue samples to demonstrate that these supporting glia physically deliver power-producing organelles to neurons via tunneling nanotubes. The study highlights that this biological exchange is critical for maintaining neuronal activity and facilitating axonal regeneration following injury. Evidence suggests that disrupting this transfer, particularly by knocking down the protein MYO10, contributes to the development of chronic pain and neuropathies. These findings offer a new perspective on metabolic cooperation in the nervous system and suggest that targeting glial-to-neuron communication could lead to innovative treatments for neuropathic pain.

References:

• Xu J, Li Y, Novak C, et al. Mitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons protects against peripheral neuropathy[J]. Nature, 2026: 1-10.