Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
07:49

Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines

Published on: March 17, 2023

3.3K

Escaping Death: Mitochondrial Redox Homeostasis in Cancer Cells

Francesco Ciccarese1, Vincenzo Ciminale1,2

  • 1Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

Frontiers in Oncology
|June 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells utilize nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to manage reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review explores mitochondrial ROS homeostasis and potential therapeutic strategies targeting cancer cell ROS levels.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial signaling molecules involved in cellular processes.
  • Elevated ROS levels are linked to cancer hallmarks like proliferation and genomic instability.
  • Cancer cells maintain ROS homeostasis using scavenging enzymes dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis.
  • To describe six pathways of NADPH production within mitochondria.
  • To discuss pharmacological interventions for selectively increasing ROS levels in cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of mitochondrial ROS homeostasis.
  • Analysis of NADPH production pathways in mitochondria.
  • Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting ROS metabolism in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Six distinct pathways for mitochondrial NADPH production are identified.
  • Understanding these pathways is key to regulating ROS levels.
  • Targeting ROS metabolism offers potential for cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial ROS homeostasis is critical for cancer cell survival.
  • NADPH production pathways are central to ROS regulation.
  • Pharmacological modulation of ROS presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
apoptosiscancer metabolismmitochondrianicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatereactive oxygen species

More Related Videos

Cellular Redox Profiling Using High-content Microscopy11:37

Cellular Redox Profiling Using High-content Microscopy

Published on: May 14, 2017

11.6K
Analytical Determination of Mitochondrial Function of Excised Solid Tumor Homogenates11:32

Analytical Determination of Mitochondrial Function of Excised Solid Tumor Homogenates

Published on: August 6, 2021

3.1K

Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

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...
19.2K
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
7.2K
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
17.5K
Redox Reactions01:27

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are vital biochemical processes that underpin energy metabolism in cells. These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules, occurring in tandem as oxidation and reduction. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction denotes their gain. This coupling ensures the seamless flow of electrons through metabolic pathways. For example, in bacterial metabolism, glucose undergoes oxidation to carbon dioxide, while oxygen is simultaneously reduced to...
1.2K
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
21.0K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.9K