Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
08:56
Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
9.2K
Mitochondrial Epigenetics Regulating Inflammation in Cancer and Aging
Debmita Chatterjee1, Palamou Das1,2, Oishee Chakrabarti1,2
1Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|July 29, 2022
Summary
Epigenetic changes in mitochondria influence inflammation, impacting aging and cancer. Understanding mitochondrial epigenetics is key to addressing these age-related diseases and tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inflammation is central to disease, with epigenetic modifications affecting aging and cancer.
- Inflammageing, a chronic inflammatory state, is a hallmark of aging.
- Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and cellular homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of epigenetic alterations in inflammation.
- To emphasize the specific involvement of mitochondria in inflammation, aging, and cancer.
- To explore how mitochondrial epigenetic modifications impact disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms.
- Analysis of the interplay between mitochondria, epigenetics, and inflammation.
- Examination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications of inflammation pathways are linked to aging and cancer.
- Mitochondrial factors like oxidative stress and altered mtDNA contribute to immune responses.
- Mitochondrial epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, correlates with cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria are key regulators of inflammation, acting as 'guardians' of the immune response.
- Mitochondrial epigenetics is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of aging and cancer.
- Further research into mitochondrial epigenetic dynamics is warranted for therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Mitochondria
14.4K
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
14.4K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.1K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
3.1K
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
14.9K
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
14.9K
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
3.9K
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.9K
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
12.0K
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
12.0K
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
3.9K
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a...
3.9K