Mitochondrial dysfunctions in bladder cancer: Exploring their role as disease markers and potential therapeutic...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Bladder cancer (BC) poses a significant global health challenge due to limited reliable outcome markers and therapeutic targets.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction's role in BC remains underexplored despite mitochondria's critical function in cellular metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations as potential biomarkers for bladder cancer.
• To explore the prognostic and therapeutic potential of mitochondrial proteins in BC.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on mtDNA alterations (point mutations, copy number) in BC.
• Analysis of studies investigating germline and somatic mtDNA mutations, mtDNA copy number, and specific mitochondrial proteins (Lon protease, Mitofusin-2, TFAM) in relation to BC.

Main Results:

• Germline mtDNA mutations in blood may predict BC risk non-invasively.
• mtDNA copy number and tumor-specific mtDNA mutations/RNAs show potential for early BC detection in bodily fluids.
• Mitochondrial proteins Lon protease, Mitofusin-2, and TFAM exhibit prognostic/predictive value.

Conclusions:

• mtDNA alterations represent promising novel biomarkers for bladder cancer risk assessment and early detection.
• Mitochondrial proteins offer potential as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for BC.
• Further research into mitochondrial dysfunction in BC could unveil new targeted therapeutic strategies.