Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
A systematic review of genes affecting mitochondrial processes in cancer
Maricruz Sepulveda-Villegas1, Rocio Rojo1, Debora Garza-Hernandez1
1Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Cátedra de Bioinformática, Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000, Colonia Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico.
Abstract:
Malignant conversion of cancer cells requires efficient mitochondria reprogramming orchestrated by hundreds of genes. The transformation includes increased energy demand, biosynthesis of precursors, and reactive oxygen species needed to accelerate cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Reprogramming involves complex gene alterations that have not been methodically curated. Therefore, we systematically analyzed the literature of cancer-related genes in mitochondria. Through the analysis of >2500 PubMed abstracts and >1600 human genes, we identified 228 genes showing clear roles in cancer. Each gene was classified according to their homeostatic function, together with the pathological transitions that contribute to specific cancer hallmarks. The potential clinical relevance of these hallmarks and genes is discussed by representative examples and validated by detecting differences in gene expression levels across 16 different types of cancer. A compendium, including the gene functions and alterations underpinning cancer progression, can be explored at http://bioinformatica.mty.itesm.mx/MitoCancer.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Mitochondria
Animal Mitochondrial Genetics
Mitochondrial Membranes
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...

