Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
Mitochondria in cancer: in the aspects of tumorigenesis and targeted therapy
Narayanasamy Badrinath1,2, So Young Yoo2,3
1Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Mitochondria play pivotal roles in most eukaryotic cells, ranging from energy production to regulation of apoptosis. As sites of cellular respiration, mitochondria experience accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to damage in electron transport chain carriers. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as nuclear DNA are reported in various cancers. Mitochondria have a dual role in cancer: the development of tumors due to mutations in mitochondrial genome and the generation of ROS. Impairment in the mitochondria-regulated apoptosis pathway accelerates tumorigenesis. Numerous strategies targeting mitochondria have been developed to induce the mitochondrial (i.e. intrinsic) apoptosis pathway in cancer cells. This review elaborates the roles of mitochondria in cancer with respect to mutations and apoptosis and discusses mitochondria-targeting strategies as cancer therapies to enhance the killing of cancer cells.
Insights
Mitochondria are crucial in cancer, with mutations affecting their function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Targeting mitochondria offers promising cancer therapies by inducing apoptosis, enhancing cancer cell death.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondria are vital organelles in eukaryotic cells, involved in energy production and apoptosis regulation.
- Mitochondria generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cellular respiration, and their dysfunction is linked to cancer development.
- Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA are implicated in various cancers, highlighting mitochondria's dual role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in cancer, including their involvement in mutations and apoptosis.
- To discuss current and emerging mitochondria-targeting strategies for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on mitochondria, cancer, mutations, and apoptosis.
- Analysis of the dual role of mitochondria in tumor development and progression.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies aimed at mitochondria for cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial mutations and ROS production contribute to tumorigenesis.
- Dysregulation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis accelerates cancer growth.
- Mitochondria-targeting therapies show potential in enhancing cancer cell killing.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria are key players in cancer, influencing both tumor initiation and progression.
- Targeting mitochondrial pathways, particularly apoptosis, represents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
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...
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,...
01:37Mitochondria
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...