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Updated: Oct 21, 2025

Measuring Single-Cell Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Heteroplasmy Using Digital Droplet Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: July 12, 2022
Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Variations in Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: Potential Players
Mehdi Alikhani1, Eliette Touati2, Morteza Karimipoor3
1Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Alterations of mitochondria have been linked to several cancers. Also, the mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is altered in various cancers, including gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers, and several research groups have investigated its potential as a cancer biomarker. However, the exact causes of mtDNA-CN variations are not yet revealed. This review discussed the conceivable players in this scheme, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), mtDNA genetic variations, DNA methylation, telomere length, autophagy, immune system activation, aging, and infections, and discussed their possible impact in the initiation and progression of cancer. By further exploring such mechanisms, mtDNA-CN variations may be effectively utilized as cancer biomarkers and provide grounds for developing novel cancer therapeutic agents.
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