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Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Author Spotlight: Transmitochondrial Cybrid Generation Using Cancer Cell Lines
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Mitochondrial bioenergetics and networks in melanoma: an update

Gaia Giannitti1, Alyssa Julia Jennifer Paganoni1, Sara Marchesi1

  • 1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.

Apoptosis : an International Journal on Programmed Cell Death
|July 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Targeting mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, offers a new strategy against melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. Understanding mitochondrial functions is key to developing novel melanoma treatments and overcoming drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with limited treatment options.
  • Mitochondria play crucial roles in cell life and death.
  • Alterations in mitochondrial functions are linked to melanoma progression and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological functions of mitochondria in melanoma.
  • To explore mitochondria as potential therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current evidence on melanoma biology and mitochondrial functions.
  • Analysis of the role of mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, redox homeostasis, and apoptosis in melanoma.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial bioenergetics and networks are critical for melanoma initiation and progression.
  • Changes in mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, redox balance, and apoptosis are associated with tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.
  • Mitochondria are implicated in various aspects of melanoma, including proliferation, invasion, and survival.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria are central to melanoma pathogenesis and represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting mitochondrial functions could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma, potentially overcoming drug resistance.
Keywords:
ApoptosisCancer therapyMelanomaMitochondrial dynamicsMitochondrial metabolismRedox homeostasis

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