What are the molecular determinants that control directional mitochondrial transfer from astrocytes to neurons?

cellular neuroscience partially_addressed
Open a bounty challenge Fund this gap and accept submissions. SPEC-033.
Composite
—
Novelty
—
Mechanistic
—
Druggability
—
Priority
90%
Importance
—
Tractability
—
Market price
50%

Description

The debate proposed bioenergetic gradients drive transfer but didn’t identify the specific molecular sensors or trafficking machinery that determines which neurons receive mitochondria. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for therapeutic targeting.

Source: Debate session sess_SDA-2026-04-01-gap-v2-89432b95 (Analysis: SDA-2026-04-01-gap-v2-89432b95)

Resolution criteria

Resolved when molecular sensors and trafficking machinery controlling directional astrocyte-to-neuron mitochondrial transfer are identified and validated. Criteria require perturbing candidate signals or motors, measuring transfer direction and rate with live imaging, linking transfer to neuronal bioenergetic rescue or toxicity, validating in at least two CNS cell systems, and adding KG edges for sensor, trafficking mechanism, donor/recipient cell type, and functional outcome.