Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen
19:44

Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen

Published on: May 30, 2012

18.8K

Mitophagy: A double-edged sword in tumor cell death regulation and therapeutic response

Tong Chu1, Zifeng Huang1, Wenzhe Ma1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine & Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, 999078, China; Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, Guangdong, 519099, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria, has complex roles in cancer. Understanding its mechanisms is key to developing new cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Mechanisms

Background:

  • Mitophagy is crucial for cellular homeostasis, involving the selective removal of damaged mitochondria.
  • It plays a dual role in cancer, influencing both tumor development and response to therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy (ubiquitin-dependent and -independent pathways).
  • To explore the crosstalk between mitophagy and various tumor cell death modalities.
  • To discuss the context-dependent roles of mitophagy in cancer and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of scientific literature.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in mitophagy.
  • Exploration of the interplay between mitophagy and cell death processes (apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, ICD, pyroptosis).

Main Results:

  • Mitophagy regulates mitochondrial quality, impacting cancer cell death pathways.
  • Its role in tumors is context-dependent: moderate activation can suppress growth, while excessive activation may lead to cell death or enhance chemotherapy.
  • Challenges exist in targeting mitophagy for cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Mitophagy's intricate relationship with cancer cell death offers therapeutic potential.
  • Spatiotemporal regulation and combination therapies targeting mitophagy are promising for precision oncology.
  • Further research is needed to fully harness mitophagy for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Cellular homeostasisMitophagyTumor cell deathUbiquitin-dependent pathwaysUbiquitin-independent pathways

More Related Videos

In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice08:40

In Vitro and In Vivo Detection of Mitophagy in Human Cells, C. Elegans, and Mice

Published on: November 22, 2017

17.8K
Visualizing Mitophagy with Fluorescent Dyes for Mitochondria and Lysosome07:56

Visualizing Mitophagy with Fluorescent Dyes for Mitochondria and Lysosome

Published on: November 30, 2022

4.9K

Related Concept Videos

Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
3.6K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.8K
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
4.0K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
667
Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
7.8K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

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...
3.9K