Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: March 17, 2023
[Mitochondrial transport: How does it impact cancer?]
Morgane Morin1, Hadia Moindjie2, Clara Nahmias1
1Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm U981, 94800 Villejuif, France - LabEx LERMIT (Laboratoire d'excellence en recherche sur le médicament et l'innovation thérapeutique), université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
Abstract:
Cancer cells are characterized by a deregulation of their metabolic activity, which allows them to meet a high energy demand. Mitochondria are key organelles that control several metabolic processes and represent the main source of energy in the form of ATP. Intracellular transport of mitochondria is essential for addressing these organelles to the right place at the right time according to energy requirement. Mitochondrial transport in cancer cells involves mitochondria-associated Miro/TRAK complexes that bind to motor proteins (kinesins, dyneins and myosins) to promote mitochondrial displacement along microtubules or actin filaments. This review focuses on the molecular players of intracellular mitochondrial transport along microtubules during cell migration and mitosis, and their deregulation in tissues from cancer patients. Intercellular mitochondrial transport upon cancer cell exposure to hypoxia or chemotherapy is also presented. This field of investigation opens new interesting perspectives in oncology, as targeting mitochondrial transport may represent an innovative strategy for treating cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
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,...
Adaptive 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,...
Mitochondrial Membranes
Energy to Drive Translocation
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...
Mitochondria

