Active Mitochondria In Healthy Spiny Mouse Fibroblasts Resemble Megamitochondria And Remain Resilient Across Lifespan

The study investigates the unique regenerative abilities of spiny mice compared to non-regenerative mammals like laboratory mice and rats. It highlights that spiny mice fibroblasts exhibit large, spherical, depolarized mitochondria, resembling megamitochondria, which are present throughout their lifespan. These fibroblasts, along with those from rabbits, show a preference for glycolysis, resulting in a lower ROS-producing basal state and extreme resistance to oxidative stress. This metabolic signature, shared by highly regenerative mammals, supports a ROS-resistant phenotype that aids in tissue regeneration, despite being driven by different mechanisms.