Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...

Targeted Cancer Therapies

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...

Targeted Cancer Therapies

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...

Cancer Therapies

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

In Memoriam: Dmitri Krysko.

Apoptosis : an international journal on programmed cell death·2026

Same author

Caspase-2 inhibits mitochondrial respiration in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.

Cell communication and signaling : CCS·2026

Same author

Mechanisms and Ways to Overcome Acquired Resistance of Cancer Cells to Mcl-1 Antagonists.

Biochemistry. Biokhimiia·2025

Same author

Correction: Requirement for Serine-384 in Caspase-2 processing and activity.

Cell death & disease·2025

Same author

p62-dependent caspase-2 activation governs TDP-43 clearance and neuronal fate in ALS.

Cell death & disease·2025

Same author

Mitochondrial DNA: how does it leave mitochondria?

Trends in cell biology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

An Automated Differential Nuclear Staining Assay for Accurate Determination of Mitocan Cytotoxicity

An Automated Differential Nuclear Staining Assay for Accurate Determination of Mitocan Cytotoxicity

Published on: May 12, 2020

Mitochondria as targets for chemotherapy.

Vladimir Gogvadze¹, Sten Orrenius, Boris Zhivotovsky

¹Division of Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Vladimir.Gogvadze@ki.se

Apoptosis : an International Journal on Programmed Cell Death

|February 12, 2009

Summary

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Targeting mitochondria offers potential therapeutic strategies for these widespread conditions.

More Related Videos

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Published on: March 17, 2023

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

An Automated Differential Nuclear Staining Assay for Accurate Determination of Mitocan Cytotoxicity

An Automated Differential Nuclear Staining Assay for Accurate Determination of Mitocan Cytotoxicity

Published on: May 12, 2020

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Published on: March 17, 2023

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Neuroscience
Oncology

Background:

Mitochondrial malfunctioning is a key factor in numerous diseases.
Disruptions in ATP production, calcium buffering, and reactive oxygen species generation by mitochondria are implicated in pathogenesis.
Neurological disorders often involve mitochondrial deterioration and specific brain region cell loss.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of mitochondria in neurodegeneration and tumor formation.
To explore the potential of targeting mitochondria for therapeutic benefit.

Main Methods:

Literature review of mitochondrial roles in disease.
Analysis of mitochondrial functions in cancer and neurodegenerative disease contexts.

Main Results:

Mitochondrial dysfunction is central to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, and Huntington's.
The Warburg effect in tumor cells, linked to mitochondrial alterations, promotes survival and chemoresistance.
Mitochondrial pathways are critical in both disease states.

Conclusions:

Mitochondria play a dual role in health and disease, impacting neurodegeneration and cancer.
Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria show promise for treating these prevalent human diseases.