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NO control of mitochondrial function in normal and transformed cells

Celia H Tengan1, Carlos T Moraes2

  • 1Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Pedro de Toledo, 781, setimo andar, frente, 04039-032, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Bioenergetics
|February 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Nitric oxide (NO) impacts cancer by altering mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis. This review explores how NO influences mitochondrial function, leading to deficiency and cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule implicated in various pathological processes, notably cancer.
  • NO plays a significant role in regulating mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis, affecting cellular energy production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted effects of nitric oxide on mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis.
  • To elucidate the influence of NO-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction on cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating nitric oxide's role in mitochondrial function.
  • Analysis of pathways involving nitric oxide, electron transport chain, and reactive species.

Main Results:

  • Nitric oxide inhibits mitochondrial electron transport chain (Complex IV), modulating oxygen consumption and ATP generation.
  • NO can increase reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, leading to oxidative damage or redox signaling.
  • Dysregulation of mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis by NO contributes to mitochondrial deficiency and cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Nitric oxide significantly impacts mitochondrial function, influencing both respiration and biogenesis.
  • NO-induced mitochondrial alterations are critical factors in the development and progression of cancer.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing novel cancer therapies targeting mitochondrial pathways.
Keywords:
CancerMitochondriaNitric oxideNitric oxide synthaseRespiratory chain

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