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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Deficient Pms2, ERCC1, Ku86, CcOI in Field Defects During Progression to Colon Cancer
Published on: July 28, 2010
Maternally inherited susceptibility to cancer
María Pilar Bayona-Bafaluy1, Ester López-Gallardo, Julio Montoya
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain.
Abstract:
Tumor microenvironment promotes mtDNA mutations. A number of these mutations will affect cell metabolism and increase cell survival. These mutations are positively selected and contribute to other tumor features, such as extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenic processes, thus favoring metastases. Like somatic mutations, although with less marked effects, some mtDNA population polymorphisms will affect OXPHOS function, cell metabolism, and homeostasis. Thus, they could behave as inherited susceptibility factors for cancer. However, in addition to epidemiological evidence, other more direct clues are required. The cybrid approach can help to clarify this issue.
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