Mitochondrial Functions in Cancer

Dear Colleagues, 

Mitochondria are bioenergetic organelles that are believed to originate from a symbiotic relationship established between archebacteria and the ancestors of eukaryotic cells. They comprise an outer and an inner membrane that delineate an intermembrane space, and an inner matrix hosting a short, circular DNA and several enzymes orchestrating, e.g., the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Oxygen-dependent respiration for ATP production occurs at the electron transfer chain (ETC) localized at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Besides bioenergetics, mitochondria also control several other key cellular functions, comprising apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, iron metabolism and redox signaling. Their subcellular location changes depending on cell activities. Upon damage, their renewal involves mitochondrial selective autophagy (mitophagy) and mitochondrial biogenesis.

In tumors, cancer cells (and host cells) strive to simultaneously ensure optimal energy production and biosynthesis with local resources that are often limited. The balance between these activities depends on mitochondrial functions that can oscillate between ATP production and biosynthesis. Mitochondria also participate in cancer cell immortalization and may act as metabolic sensors of the tumor microenvironment. Upon treatment, they can be damaged and repaired, thus participating in resistance to therapy. This Topic issue in Cancers aims to address these functions, with a key interest for the relationship between mitochondria and specific phenotypic changes occurring during tumor growth and treatment.

Prof. Dr. Pierre Sonveaux
Prof. Dr. Rodrigue Rossignol
Guest Editors

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