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DRP1: At the Crossroads of Dysregulated Mitochondrial Dynamics and Altered Cell Signaling in Cancer Cells

Ankita Adhikary1, Agradeep Mukherjee1, Riddhi Banerjee1

  • 1Organelle Biology and Cellular Ageing Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.

ACS Omega
|December 11, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) regulates mitochondrial structure and function, crucial in cancer. Understanding DRP1

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Subcellular structures, particularly mitochondria, play critical roles in human diseases, especially cancer.
  • Mitochondrial dynamics, regulated by proteins like DRP1, are vital for cellular function.
  • Cancer cells exhibit altered signaling pathways that impact cellular homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interplay between DRP1-mediated mitochondrial structure-function and cancer-associated signaling pathways.
  • To elucidate the structural features and regulatory mechanisms of DRP1.
  • To explore the association of DRP1 with altered cellular pathways in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on DRP1, mitochondrial dynamics, and cancer signaling.
  • Analysis of structural aspects and post-translational modifications of DRP1.
  • Examination of DRP1's role in various cancer-related cellular pathways.

Main Results:

  • DRP1 is a key regulator of mitochondrial fission, influencing organelle function.
  • DRP1 activity is modulated by various post-translational modifications.
  • DRP1 is implicated in multiple signaling pathways dysregulated in cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between DRP1, mitochondrial dynamics, and cancer signaling is complex and significant.
  • Understanding DRP1's role offers insights into cancer cell biology.
  • Targeting DRP1-mediated pathways may present novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

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