who found that the delivery of these organelles occurs via a nanotubular network.30 Extensive research subsequently revealed that, through this transfer, damaged cells can be rescued by the incorporation of exoge- nous mitochondria into their mitochondrial network. In the context of tumorigenesis, this horizontal transfer can also affect the functional capabilities of cancer cells, including their prolifer- ation or resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, both positive and negative outcomes in recipient cells can result from this trans- fer.31–34 In light of these studies, the direct transplantation of whole mitochondria into damaged areas has been suggested as a means of investigating the potential curative benefits.