Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in Cancers

Dear Colleagues,

Distinct aspects of mitochondrial function and dysfunction in cancers have varied roles in different cancer stages. Many mitochondrial activities and associated pathways undergo reprogramming to support cancer cell proliferation and tumor development. Among these are: (a) Mitochondrial Dynamics: mitochondria morphological changes through fusion, fission, and mitophagy disrupted in cancer, often with a shift toward fission, to promote tumorigenesis and metastasis. (b) Mitochondrial Bioenergetics: A hallmark of cancer cells, the reprogramming of metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to oxidative glycolysis, which is also known as the Warburg effect. (c) Mitochondrial Signaling: ROS is a common byproduct of oxidative metabolism. Cancer cells exhibit elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) levels, and this can have both pro- and antitumor effects depending on the range of elevation as well as downstream pathways. (d) Mitochondrial Calcium: Ca²⁺ ions are important secondary messengers that extensively regulate mitochondrial functions in mROS generation, cell death, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism. (e) Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis: Apoptosis is tightly regulated by mitochondria to maintain tissue homeostasis. Cancer cells develop strategies to resist cell death, which is considered as one of the well-established hallmarks of cancer. 

These and other mitochondrial alterations in cancer cells contribute to tumorigenesis and the development of drug resistance. Accordingly, novel approaches involving targeting mitochondria players altered in cancer have been developed for cancer therapy.

This Special Issue on “Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in Cancers” is expected to cover the above scope.

Based on your expertise in this field, we would like to invite you to contribute a review or full research paper for peer review and possible publication in this Special Issue: “Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in Cancers”.

Prof. Dr. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz
Prof. Dr. Nathalie Mazure
Guest Editors

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