Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
Friend or foe? Mitochondria as a pharmacological target in cancer treatment
Tyler Dickerson1, Catherine E Jauregui2, Yong Teng2,3,4
1College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Abstract:
Mitochondria have acquired numerous functions over the course of evolution, such as those involved in controlling energy production, cellular metabolism, cell survival, apoptosis and autophagy within host cells. Tumor cells can develop defects in mitochondrial function, presenting a potential strategy for designing selective anticancer therapies. Therefore, cancer has been the main focus of recent research to uncover possible mitochondrial targets for therapeutic benefit. This comprehensive review covers not only the recent discoveries of the roles of mitochondria in cancer development, progression and therapeutic implications but also the findings regarding emerging mitochondrial therapeutic targets and mitochondria-targeted agents. Current challenges and future directions for developments and applications of mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics are also discussed.
Insights
Mitochondria play key roles in cancer, offering new therapeutic targets. This review explores mitochondrial functions in cancer and novel mitochondria-targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Cancer research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mitochondria are crucial for cellular energy, metabolism, and survival.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in cancer cells.
- Targeting mitochondria presents a promising anticancer strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries on mitochondria's role in cancer development and progression.
- To highlight emerging mitochondrial therapeutic targets and agents.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent research.
- Analysis of studies on mitochondrial functions in cancer.
- Evaluation of mitochondria-targeted agents and strategies.
Main Results:
- Mitochondria are implicated in various stages of cancer, including initiation and progression.
- Defects in mitochondrial function can be exploited for selective cancer treatment.
- Several novel mitochondria-targeted agents and therapeutic approaches are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria represent a significant area for cancer therapeutic development.
- Targeting mitochondrial pathways offers potential for effective and selective anticancer treatments.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and advance clinical applications of mitochondria-targeted therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
02:49Cancer Therapies
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...
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...