Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations inhibit melanoma metastasis

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are frequent in cancer, yet their precise role in cancer progression remains debated. To functionally evaluate the impact of mtDNA variants on tumor growth and metastasis, we developed an enhanced cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) generation protocol and established isogenic human melanoma cybrid lines with wild-type mtDNA or pathogenic mtDNA mutations with partial or complete loss of mitochondrial oxidative function. Cybrids with homoplasmic levels of pathogenic mtDNA reliably established tumors despite dysfunctional oxidative phosphorylation. However, these mtDNA variants disrupted spontaneous metastasis from primary tumors and reduced the abundance of circulating tumor cells. Migration and invasion of tumor cells were reduced, indicating that entry into circulation is a bottleneck for metastasis amid mtDNA dysfunction. Pathogenic mtDNA did not inhibit organ colonization following intravenous injection. In heteroplasmic cybrid tumors, single-cell analyses revealed selection against pathogenic mtDNA during melanoma growth. Collectively, these findings experimentally demonstrate that functional mtDNA is favored during melanoma growth and supports metastatic entry into the blood.

Lactate supports Treg function and immune balance via MGAT1 effects on N-glycosylation in the mitochondria

Current research reports that lactate affects Treg metabolism, although the precise mechanism has only been partially elucidated. In this study, we presented evidence demonstrating that elevated lactate levels enhanced cell proliferation, suppressive capabilities, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in human Tregs. The expression levels of Monocarboxylate Transporters 1/2/4 (MCT1/2/4) regulate intracellular lactate concentration, thereby influencing the varying responses observed in naive Tregs and memory Tregs. Through mitochondrial isolation, sequencing, and analysis of human Tregs, we determined that α-1,3-Mannosyl-Glycoprotein 2-β-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT1) served as the pivotal driver initiating downstream N-glycosylation events involving progranulin (GRN) and hypoxia-upregulated 1 (HYOU1), consequently enhancing Treg OXPHOS. The mechanism by which MGAT1 was upregulated in mitochondria depended on elevated intracellular lactate that promoted the activation of XBP1s. This, in turn, supported MGAT1 transcription as well as the interaction of lactate with the translocase of the mitochondrial outer membrane 70 (TOM70) import receptor, facilitating MGAT1 translocation into mitochondria. Pretreatment of Tregs with lactate reduced mortality in a xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) model. Together, these findings underscored the active regulatory role of lactate in human Treg metabolism through the upregulation of MGAT1 transcription and its facilitated translocation into the mitochondria.

Metabolism-driven glycosylation represents therapeutic opportunities in interstitial lung diseases

Metabolic changes are coupled with alteration in protein glycosylation. In this review, we will focus on macrophages that are pivotal in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis and thanks to their adaptable metabolism are an attractive therapeutic target. Examples presented in this review demonstrate that protein glycosylation regulates metabolism-driven immune responses in macrophages, with implications for fibrotic processes and granuloma formation. Targeting proteins that regulate glycosylation, such as fucosyltransferases, neuraminidase 1 and chitinase 1 could effectively block immunometabolic changes driving inflammation and fibrosis, providing novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Crosstalk between oxidative phosphorylation and immune escape in cancer: a new concept of therapeutic targets selection

BACKGROUND

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a metabolic disease, with evidence suggesting that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) plays a significant role in the progression of numerous cancer cells. OXPHOS not only provides sufficient energy for tumor tissue survival but also regulates conditions for tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Alterations in OXPHOS can also impair the immune function of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, leading to immune evasion. Therefore, investigating the relationship between OXPHOS and immune escape is crucial in cancer-related research. This review aims to summarize the effects of transcriptional, mitochondrial genetic, metabolic regulation, and mitochondrial dynamics on OXPHOS in different cancers. Additionally, it highlights the role of OXPHOS in immune escape by affecting various immune cells. Finally, it concludes with an overview of recent advances in antitumor strategies targeting both immune and metabolic processes and proposes promising therapeutic targets by analyzing the limitations of current targeted drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolic shift towards OXPHOS contributes significantly to tumor proliferation, progression, metastasis, immune escape, and poor prognosis. A thorough investigation of concrete mechanisms of OXPHOS regulation in different types of tumors and the combination usage of OXPHOS-targeted drugs with existing immunotherapies could potentially uncover new therapeutic targets for future antitumor therapies.

Targeted Anti-Mitochondrial Therapy: The Future of Oncology

Like living organisms, cancer cells require energy to survive and interact with their environment. Mitochondria are the main organelles for energy production and cellular metabolism. Recently, investigators demonstrated that cancer cells can hijack mitochondria from immune cells. This behavior sheds light on a pivotal piece in the cancer puzzle, the dependence on the normal cells. This article illustrates the benefits of new functional mitochondria for cancer cells that urge them to hijack mitochondria. It describes how functional mitochondria help cancer cells’ survival in the harsh tumor microenvironment, immune evasion, progression, and treatment resistance. Recent evidence has put forward the pivotal role of mitochondria in the metabolism of cancer stem cells (CSCs), the tumor components responsible for cancer recurrence and metastasis. This theory highlights the mitochondria in cancer biology and explains how targeting mitochondria may improve oncological outcomes.

The Interplay between Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interaction and Mitochondria Dynamics in Cancer

The tumor microenvironment, in particular the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays a pivotal role in controlling tumor initiation and progression. In particular, the interaction between cancer cells and the ECM promotes cancer cell growth and invasion, leading to the formation of distant metastasis. Alterations in cancer cell metabolism is a key hallmark of cancer, which is often associated with alterations in mitochondrial dynamics. Recent research highlighted that, changes in mitochondrial dynamics are associated with cancer migration and metastasis-these has been extensively reviewed elsewhere. However, less is known about the interplay between the extracellular matrix and mitochondria functions. In this review, we will highlight how ECM remodeling associated with tumorigenesis contribute to the regulation of mitochondrial function, ultimately promoting cancer cell metabolic plasticity, able to fuel cancer invasion and metastasis.

Metabolic Reprogramming in Response to Alterations of Mitochondrial DNA and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

We used gastric cancer cell line AGS and clinical samples to investigate the roles of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations and mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). A total of 131 clinical samples, including 17 normal gastric mucosa (N-GM) from overweight patients who had received sleeve gastrectomy and 57 paired non-cancerous gastric mucosae (NC-GM) and GAC from GAC patients who had undergone partial/subtotal/total gastrectomy, were recruited to examine the copy number and D310 sequences of mtDNA. The gastric cancer cell line AGS was used with knockdown (KD) mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) to achieve mitochondrial dysfunction through a decrease of mtDNA copy number. Parental (PT), null-target (NT), and TFAM-KD-(A/B/C) represented the parental, control, and TFAM knocked-down AGS cells, respectively. These cells were used to compare the parameters reflecting mitochondrial biogenesis, glycolysis, and cell migration activity. The median mtDNA copy numbers of 17 N-GM, 57 NC-GM, and 57 GAC were 0.058, 0.055, and 0.045, respectively. The trend of decrease was significant (p = 0.030). In addition, GAC had a lower mean mtDNA copy number of 0.055 as compared with the paired NC-GM of 0.078 (p < 0.001). The mean mtDNA copy number ratio (mtDNA copy number of GAC/mtDNA copy number of paired NC-GM) was 0.891. A total of 35 (61.4%) GAC samples had an mtDNA copy number ratio ≤0.804 (p = 0.017) and 27 (47.4%) harbored a D310 mutation (p = 0.047), and these patients had shorter survival time and poorer prognosis. After effective knockdown of TFAM, TFAM-KD-B/C cells expressed higher levels of hexokinase II (HK-II) and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 gene (AKT)-encoded AKT, but lower levels of phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase (p-PDH) than did the NT/PT AGS cells. Except for a higher level of p-PDH, the expression levels of these proteins remained unchanged in TFAM-KD-A, which had a mild knockdown of TFAM. Compared to those of NT, TFAM-KD-C had not only a lower mtDNA copy number (p = 0.050), but also lower oxygen consumption rates (OCR), including basal respiration (OCR_BR), ATP-coupled respiration (OCR_ATP), reserve capacity (OCR_RC), and proton leak (OCR_PL)(all with p = 0.050). In contrast, TFAM-KD-C expressed a higher extracellular acidification rate (ECAR)/OCR_BR ratio (p = 0.050) and a faster wound healing migration at 6, 12, and 18 h, respectively (all with p = 0.050). Beyond a threshold, the decrease in mtDNA copy number, the mtDNA D310 mutation, and mitochondrial dysfunction were involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of GACs. Activation of PDH might be considered as compensation for the mitochondrial dysfunction in response to glucose metabolic reprogramming or to adjust mitochondrial plasticity in GAC.

Suppression of NSCLC A549 tumor growth by a mtDNA mutation-targeting pyrrole-imidazole polyamide-TPP and a senolytic drug

Certain somatic mutations in mtDNA were associated with tumor progression and frequently found in a homoplasmic state. We recently reported that pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide conjugated with the mitochondria‐delivering moiety triphenylphosphonium (PIP‐TPP) targeting an mtDNA mutation efficiently induced apoptosis in cancer cells with the mutation but not normal cells. Here, we synthesized the novel PIP‐TPP, CCC‐021‐TPP, targeting ND6 14582A > G homoplasmic missense mutation that is suggested to enhance metastasis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer A549 cells. CCC‐021‐TPP did not induce apoptosis but caused cellular senescence in the cells, accompanied by a significant induction of antiapoptotic BCL‐XL. Simultaneous treatment of A549 cells with CCC‐021‐TPP and the BCL‐XL selective inhibitor A‐1155463 resulted in apoptosis induction. Importantly, the combination induced apoptosis and suppressed tumor growth in an A549 xenografted model. These results highlight the potential of anticancer therapy with PIP‐TPPs targeting mtDNA mutations to induce cell death even in apoptosis‐resistant cancer cells when combined with senolytics.

A Novel Mitochondrial-Related Nuclear Gene Signature Predicts Overall Survival of Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, of which lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the main histological subtypes. Mitochondria are vital for maintaining the physiological function, and their dysfunction has been found to be correlated with tumorigenesis and disease progression. Although, some mitochondrial-related genes have been found to correlate with the clinical outcomes of multiple tumors solely. The integrated relationship between nuclear mitochondrial genes (NMGs) and the prognosis of LUAD remains unclear.

Methods: The list of NMGs, gene expression data, and related clinical information of LUAD were downloaded from public databases. Bioinformatics methods were used and obtained 18 prognostic related NMGs to construct a risk signature.

Results: There were 18 NMGs (NDUFS2, ATP8A2, SCO1, COX14, COA6, RRM2B, TFAM, DARS2, GARS, YARS2, EFG1, GFM1, MRPL3, MRPL44, ISCU, CABC1, HSPD1, and ETHE1) identified by LASSO regression analysis. The mRNA expression of these 18 genes was positively correlated with their relative linear copy number alteration (CNA). Meanwhile, the established risk signature could effectively distinguish high- and low-risk patients, and its predictive capacity was validated in three independent gene expression omnibus (GEO) cohorts. Notably, a significantly lower prevalence of actionable EGFR alterations was presented in patients with high-risk NMGs signature but accompanied with a more inflame immune tumor microenvironment. Additionally, multicomponent Cox regression analysis showed that the model was stable when risk score, tumor stage, and lymph node stage were considered, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUC were 0.74, 0.75, and 0.70, respectively.

Conclusion: Together, this study established a signature based on NMGs that is a prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients and has the potential to be widely applied in future clinical settings.

Intercellular transfer of mitochondrial DNA carrying metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mutations from high- to low-metastatic tumor cells and stromal cells via extracellular vesicles

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) carrying certain pathogenic mutations or single nucleotide variants (SNVs) enhances the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, and some of these mutations are homoplasmic in tumor cells and even in tumor tissues. On the other hand, intercellular transfer of mitochondria and cellular components via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) has recently attracted intense attention in terms of cell-to-cell communication in the tumor microenvironment. It remains unclear whether metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mutant mtDNA in tumor cells is intercellularly transferred between tumor cells and stromal cells. In this study, we investigated whether mtDNA with the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) G13997A pathogenic mutation in highly metastatic cells can be horizontally transferred to low-metastatic cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Results

When MitoTracker Deep Red-labeled high-metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma A11 cells carrying the ND6 G13997A mtDNA mutation were cocultured with CellLight mitochondria-GFP-labeled low-metastatic P29 cells harboring wild-type mtDNA, bidirectional transfer of red- and green-colored vesicles, probably mitochondria-related EVs, was observed in a time-dependent manner. Similarly, intercellular transfer of mitochondria-related EVs occurred between A11 cells and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs, WA-mFib), macrophages (RAW264.7) and cytotoxic T cells (CTLL-2). Intercellular transfer was suppressed by inhibitors of EV release. The large and small EV fractions (L-EV and S-EV, respectively) prepared from the conditioned medium by differential ultracentrifugation both were found to contain mtDNA, although only S-EVs were efficiently incorporated into the cells. Several subpopulations had evidence of LC3-II and contained degenerated mitochondrial components in the S-EV fraction, signaling to the existence of autophagy-related S-EVs. Interestingly, the S-EV fraction contained a MitoTracker-positive subpopulation, which was inhibited by the respiration inhibitor antimycin A, indicating the presence of mitochondria with membrane potential. It was also demonstrated that mtDNA was transferred into mtDNA-less ρ⁰ cells after coculture with the S-EV fraction. In syngeneic mouse subcutaneous tumors formed by a mixture of A11 and P29 cells, the mitochondria-related EVs released from A11 cells reached distantly positioned P29 cells and CAFs.

Conclusions

These results suggest that metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mtDNA derived from metastatic tumor cells is transferred to low-metastatic tumor cells and stromal cells via S-EVs in vitro and in the tumor microenvironment, inferring a novel mechanism of enhancement of metastatic potential during tumor progression.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00391-5.

The molecular mechanisms of celecoxib in tumor development

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies have shown that celecoxib can significantly inhibit the development of tumors, and basic experiments and in vitro experiments also provide a certain basis, but it is not clear how celecoxib inhibits tumor development in detail.

METHODS

A literature search of all major academic databases was conducted (PubMed, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), Wan-fang, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), including the main research on the mechanisms of celecoxib on tumors.

RESULTS

Celecoxib can intervene in tumor development and reduce the formation of drug resistance through multiple molecular mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Celecoxib mainly regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells by inhibiting the cyclooxygenases-2/prostaglandin E2 signal axis and thereby inhibiting the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κ-gene binding, Akt, signal transducer and activator of transcription and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Meanwhile, it was found that celecoxib could promote the apoptosis of tumor cells by enhancing mitochondrial oxidation, activating mitochondrial apoptosis process, promoting endoplasmic reticulum stress process, and autophagy. Celecoxib can also reduce the occurrence of drug resistance by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.

Nitrogen Trapping as a Therapeutic Strategy in Tumors with Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Under conditions of inherent or induced mitochondrial dysfunction, cancer cells manifest overlapping metabolic phenotypes, suggesting that they may be targeted via a common approach. Here, we use multiple oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-competent and incompetent cancer cell pairs to demonstrate that treatment with α-ketoglutarate (aKG) esters elicits rapid death of OXPHOS-deficient cancer cells by elevating intracellular aKG concentrations, thereby sequestering nitrogen from aspartate through glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1). Exhaustion of aspartate in these cells resulted in immediate depletion of adenylates, which plays a central role in mediating mTOR inactivation and inhibition of glycolysis. aKG esters also conferred cytotoxicity in a variety of cancer types if their cell respiration was obstructed by hypoxia or by chemical inhibition of the electron transport chain (ETC), both of which are known to increase aspartate and GOT1 dependencies. Furthermore, preclinical mouse studies suggested that cell-permeable aKG displays a good biosafety profile, eliminates aspartate only in OXPHOS-incompetent tumors, and prevents their growth and metastasis. This study reveals a novel cytotoxic mechanism for the metabolite aKG and identifies cell-permeable aKG, either by itself or in combination with ETC inhibitors, as a potential anticancer approach. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that OXPHOS deficiency caused by either hypoxia or mutations, which can significantly increase cancer virulence, renders tumors sensitive to aKG esters by targeting their dependence upon GOT1 for aspartate synthesis. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/17/3492/F1.large.jpg.

Mitoribosome Defect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Promotes an Aggressive Phenotype with Suppressed Immune Reaction

Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes), the specialized translational machinery for mitochondrial genes, exclusively encode the subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Although OXPHOS dysfunctions are associated with hepatic disorders including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), their underlying mechanisms remain poorly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of mitoribosome defects on OXPHOS and HCC progression. By generating a gene signature from HCC transcriptome data, we developed a scoring system, i.e., mitoribosome defect score (MDS), which represents the degree of mitoribosomal defects in cancers. The MDS showed close associations with the clinical outcomes of patients with HCC and with gene functions such as oxidative phosphorylation, cell-cycle activation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. By analyzing immune profiles, we observed that mitoribosomal defects are also associated with immunosuppression and evasion. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the roles of mitoribosome defects in HCC progression.

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A set of down-regulated MRPs in HCC cause mitoribosomal defects

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Mitoribosomal defects are linked to aggressive molecular features and poor prognosis

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Mitoribosomal defects in HCC are associated with immunosuppression and evasion

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TGF-β signaling pathway is a crucial mechanism to mediate mitoribosomal defects in HCC

Evaluation of the role of mitochondria in the non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation using cybrid cellular models

Radiobiology is moving towards a better understanding of the intercellular signaling that occurs upon radiation and how its effects relate to the dose applied. The mitochondrial role in orchestrating this biological response needs to be further explored. Cybrids (cytoplasmic hybrids) are useful cell models for studying the involvement of mitochondria in cellular processes. In the present study we used cybrid cell lines to investigate the role of mitochondria in the response to radiation exposure. Cybrid cell lines, derived from the osteosarcoma human cell line 143B, harboring, either wild-type mitochondrial DNA (Cy143Bwt), cells with mitochondria with mutated DNA that causes mitochondrial dysfunction (Cy143Bmut), as well as cells without mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (143B-Rho0), were irradiated with 0.2 Gy and 2.0 Gy. Evaluation of the non-targeted (or bystander) effects in non-irradiated cells were assessed by using conditioned media from the irradiated cells. DNA double stranded breaks were assessed with the γH2AX assay. Both directly irradiated cells and cells treated with the conditioned media, showed increased DNA damage. The effect of the irradiated cells media was different according to the cell line it derived from: from Cy143Bwt cells irradiated with 0.2 Gy (low dose) and from Cy143Bmut irradiated with 2.0 Gy (high dose) induced highest DNA damage. Notably, media obtained from cells without mtDNA, the143B-Rho0 cell line, produced no effect in DNA damage. These results point to a possible role of mitochondria in the radiation-induced non-targeted effects. Furthermore, it indicates that cybrid models are valuable tools for radiobiological studies.

Mitohormesis, UPRmt, and the Complexity of Mitochondrial DNA Landscapes in Cancer

The discovery of the Warburg effect, the preference of cancer cells to generate ATP via glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation, has fostered the misconception that cancer cells become independent of the electron transport chain (ETC) for survival. This is inconsistent with the need of ETC function for the generation of pyrimidines. Along with this misconception, a large body of literature has reported numerous mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), further fueling the notion of nonfunctional ETC in cancer cells. More recent findings, however, suggest that cancers maintain oxidative phosphorylation capacity and that the role of mtDNA mutations in cancer is likely far more nuanced in light of the remarkable complexity of mitochondrial genetics. This review aims at describing the various model systems that were developed to dissect the role of mtDNA in cancer, including cybrids, and more recently mitochondrial-nuclear exchange and conplastic mice. Furthermore, we put forward the notion of mtDNA landscapes, where the surrounding nonsynonymous mutations and variants can enhance or repress the biological effect of specific mtDNA mutations. Notably, we review recent studies describing the ability of some mtDNA landscapes to activate the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) but not others. Furthermore, the role of the UPR^mt in maintaining cancer cells in the mitohormetic zone to provide selective adaptation to stress is discussed. Among the genes activated by the UPR^mt, we suggest that the dismutases SOD2 and SOD1 may play key roles in the establishment of the mitohormetic zone. Finally, we propose that using a UPR^mt nuclear gene expression signature may be a more reliable readout than mtDNA landscapes, given their diversity and complexity.

Targeting integrins for cancer management using nanotherapeutic approaches: Recent advances and challenges

Integrins are the main cell surface receptors and execute multifaceted functions such as the bidirectional transmission of signals (i.e., inside-out and outside-in) and provide communication between cells and their microenvironments. Integrins are the key regulators of critical biological functions and contribute significantly to the promotion of cancer at almost every stage of disease progression from initial tumor formation to metastasis. Integrin expressions are frequently altered in different cancers, and consequently, several therapeutic strategies targeting integrins have been developed. Furthermore, nanotechnology-based approaches have been devised to overcome the intrinsic limitations of conventional therapies for cancer management, and have been shown to more precise, safer, and highly effective therapeutic tools. Although nanotechnology-based approaches have achieved substantial success for the management of cancer, certain obstacles remain such as inadequate knowledge of nano-bio interactions and the challenges associated with the three stages of clinical trials. This review highlights the different roles of integrins and of integrin-dependent signaling in various cancers and describes the applications of nanotherapeutics targeting integrins. In addition, we discuss RGD-based approaches and challenges posed to cancer management.

Mitochondrial dysfunction induces the invasive phenotype, and cell migration and invasion, through the induction of AKT and AMPK pathways in lung cancer cells

Mitochondria are well known for their important roles in oxidative phosphorylation, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation and ion homeostasis. Although the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on tumorigenesis in various cancer cells have been reported, the correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cancer development and metastasis has not been well elucidated. In the present study, the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on EMT and migration in lung cancer cells were investigated using inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, oligomycin A and antimycin A. Oligomycin A and antimycin A induced distinct mesenchymal‑like morphological features in H23, H1793 and A549 lung cancer cells. In addition, they decreased the expression levels of the epithelial marker protein E‑cadherin, but increased the expression levels of the mesenchymal marker proteins Vimentin, Snail and Slug. The results of immunofluorescence staining indicated that oligomycin A and antimycin A downregulated cortical E‑cadherin expression and upregulated the expression of Vimentin. In addition, oligomycin A and antimycin A increased the migration and invasion of A549 lung cancer cells, and promoted the expression levels of phosphorylated (p)‑protein kinase B (AKT) and p‑AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK). Notably, the production of reactive oxygen species by oligomycin A and antimycin A did not affect the expression of EMT protein markers. Conversely, treatment with the AKT inhibitor wortmannin and the AMPK inhibitor Compound C upregulated E‑cadherin and downregulated Vimentin expression. These results suggested that oligomycin A and antimycin A may induce migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by inducing EMT via the upregulation of p‑AKT and p‑AMPK expression.

Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of the mitochondrial-rich oncocytic phenotype on a thyroid carcinoma background

We conducted the first systematic omics study of the oncocytic phenotype in 488 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Oncocytic phenotype is secondary to PTC, being unrelated to several pathologic scores. The nuclear genome had low impact on this phenotype (except in specific copy number variation), which was mostly driven by the significant accumulation of mitochondrial DNA non-synonymous and frameshift mutations at high heteroplasmy levels. Energy and mitochondrial-related pathways were significantly enriched in oncocytic tumors that also displayed increased levels of expression for genes involved in autophagy and fusion of mitochondria. Our in vitro tests confirmed that autophagy is increased and functional while mitophagy is decreased in these tumors.

Reciprocal Interactions of Mitochondria and the Neuroimmunoendocrine System in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Important Role for Melatonin Regulation

Structural and functional alterations of mitochondria are intimately linked to a wide array of medical conditions. Many factors are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, including cytokines, chaperones, chemokines, neurosteroids, and ubiquitins. The role of diffusely located cells of the neuroendocrine system, including biogenic amines and peptide hormones, in the management of mitochondrial function, as well as the role of altered mitochondrial function in the regulation of these cells and system, is an area of intense investigation. The current article looks at the interactions among the cells of the neuronal-glia, immune and endocrine systems, namely the diffuse neuroimmunoendocrine system (DNIES), and how DNIES interacts with mitochondrial function. Whilst changes in DNIES can impact on mitochondrial function, local, and systemic alterations in mitochondrial function can alter the component systems of DNIES and their interactions. This has etiological, course, and treatment implications for a wide range of medical conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders. Available data on the role of melatonin in these interactions, at cellular and system levels, are reviewed, with directions for future research indicated.

Dynamin-Related Protein 1 at the Crossroads of Cancer

Mitochondrial dynamics are known to have an important role in so-called age-related diseases, including cancer. Mitochondria is an organelle involved in many key cellular functions and responds to physiologic or stress stimuli by adapting its structure and function. Perhaps the most important structural changes involve mitochondrial dynamics (fission and fusion), which occur in normal cells as well as in cells under dysregulation, such as cancer cells. Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a member of the dynamin family of guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), is the key component of mitochondrial fission machinery. Dynamin-related protein 1 is associated with different cell processes such as apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, metabolism, and cell proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. The role of DRP1 in tumorigenesis may seem to be paradoxical, since mitochondrial fission is a key mediator of two very different processes, cellular apoptosis and cell mitosis. Dynamin-related protein 1 has been associated with the development of distinct human cancers, including changes in mitochondrial energetics and cellular metabolism, cell proliferation, and stem cell maintenance, invasion, and promotion of metastases. However, the underlying mechanism for this association is still being explored. Herein, we review the published knowledge on the role of DRP1 in cancer, exploring its interaction with different biological processes in the tumorigenesis context.

From discovery of the CHOP axis and targeting ClpP to the identification of additional axes of the UPRmt driven by the estrogen receptor and SIRT3

The mitochondrial UPR (UPR^mt) is rapidly gaining attention. While most studies on the UPR^mt have focused on its role in aging, emerging studies suggest an important role of the UPR^mt in cancer. Further, several of the players of the UPR^mt in mammalian cells have well reported roles in the maintenance of the organelle. The goal of this review is to emphasize aspects of the UPR^mt that have been overlooked in the current literature, describe the role of specific players of the UPR^mt in the biology of the mitochondria and highlight the intriguing possibility that targeting the UPR^mt in cancer may be already within reach.

Etiopathogenesis of oncocytomas

Oncocytomas are distinct tumors characterized by an abnormal accumulation of defective and (most probably) dysfunctional mitochondria in cell cytoplasm of such tumors. This particular phenotype has been studied for the last decades and the clarification of the etiopathogenic causes are still needed. Several mechanisms involved in the formation and maintenance of oncocytomas are accepted as reasonable causes, but the relevance and contribution of each one for oncocytic transformation may depend on different cancer etiopathogenic contexts. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of the etiopathogenic events that may lead to oncocytic transformation and discuss their contribution for tumor progression and mitochondrial accumulation.

The Mitochondrial Complex(I)ty of Cancer

Recent evidence highlights that the cancer cell energy requirements vary greatly from normal cells and that cancer cells exhibit different metabolic phenotypes with variable participation of both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) is the largest complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and contributes about 40% of the proton motive force required for mitochondrial ATP synthesis. In addition, Complex I plays an essential role in biosynthesis and redox control during proliferation, resistance to cell death, and metastasis of cancer cells. Although knowledge about the structure and assembly of Complex I is increasing, information about the role of Complex I subunits in tumorigenesis is scarce and contradictory. Several small molecule inhibitors of Complex I have been described as selective anticancer agents; however, pharmacologic and genetic interventions on Complex I have also shown pro-tumorigenic actions, involving different cellular signaling. Here, we discuss the role of Complex I in tumorigenesis, focusing on the specific participation of Complex I subunits in proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells.

mtDNA, Metastasis, and the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt)

While several studies have confirmed a link between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and cancer cell metastasis, much debate remains regarding the nature of the alternations in mtDNA leading to this effect. Meanwhile, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) has gained much attention in recent years, with most studies of this pathway focusing on its role in aging. However, the UPR^mt has also been studied in the context of cancer. More recent work suggests that rather than a single mutation or alternation, specific combinatorial mtDNA landscapes able to activate the UPR^mt may be those that are selected by metastatic cells, while mtDNA landscapes unable to activate the UPR^mt do not. This review aims at offering an overview of the confusing literature on mtDNA mutations and metastasis and the more recent work on the UPR^mt in this setting.

Selected mitochondrial DNA landscapes activate the SIRT3 axis of the UPRmt to promote metastasis

By causing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and oxidation of mitochondrial proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to perturbations in mitochondrial proteostasis. Several studies have linked mtDNA mutations to metastasis of cancer cells but the nature of the mtDNA species involved remains unclear. Our data suggests that no common mtDNA mutation identifies metastatic cells; rather the metastatic potential of several ROS-generating mutations is largely determined by their mtDNA genomic landscapes, which can act either as an enhancer or repressor of metastasis. However, mtDNA landscapes of all metastatic cells are characterized by activation of the SIRT/FOXO/SOD2 axis of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt). The UPR^mt promotes a complex transcription program ultimately increasing mitochondrial integrity and fitness in response to oxidative proteotoxic stress. Using SOD2 as a surrogate marker of the UPR^mt, we found that in primary breast cancers, SOD2 is significantly increased in metastatic lesions. We propose that the ability of selected mtDNA species to activate the UPR^mt is a process that is exploited by cancer cells to maintain mitochondrial fitness and facilitate metastasis.

Integrins and Cell Metabolism: An Intimate Relationship Impacting Cancer

Integrins are important regulators of cell survival, proliferation, adhesion and migration. Once activated, integrins establish a regulated link between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. Integrins have well-established functions in cancer, such as in controlling cell survival by engagement of many specific intracellular signaling pathways and in facilitating metastasis. Integrins and associated proteins are regulated by control of transcription, membrane traffic, and degradation, as well as by a number of post-translational modifications including glycosylation, allowing integrin function to be modulated to conform to various cellular needs and environmental conditions. In this review, we examine the control of integrin function by cell metabolism, and the impact of this regulation in cancer. Within this context, nutrient sufficiency or deprivation is sensed by a number of metabolic signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1, which collectively control integrin function by a number of mechanisms. Moreover, metabolic flux through specific pathways also controls integrins, such as by control of integrin glycosylation, thus impacting integrin-dependent cell adhesion and migration. Integrins also control various metabolic signals and pathways, establishing the reciprocity of this regulation. As cancer cells exhibit substantial changes in metabolism, such as a shift to aerobic glycolysis, enhanced glucose utilization and a heightened dependence on specific amino acids, the reciprocal regulation of integrins and metabolism may provide important clues for more effective treatment of various cancers.

Integrin-FAK signaling rapidly and potently promotes mitochondrial function through STAT3

Background

STAT3 is increasingly becoming known for its non-transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetic function upon activation of its S727 residue (S727-STAT3). Lengthy mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to cell death. We tested whether an integrin-FAK-STAT3 signaling pathway we recently discovered regulates mitochondrial function and cell survival, and treatments thereof.

Methods

Cultured mouse brain bEnd5 endothelial cells were treated with integrin, FAK or STAT3 inhibitors, FAK siRNA, as well as integrin and STAT3 activators. STAT3 null cells were transfected with mutant STAT3 plasmids. Outcome measures included oxygen consumption rate for mitochondrial bioenergetics, Western blotting for protein phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential for mitochondrial integrity, ROS production, and cell counts.

Results

Vitronectin-dependent mitochondrial basal respiration, ATP production, and maximum reserve and respiratory capacities were suppressed within 4 h by RGD and αvβ3 integrin antagonist peptides. Conversely, integrin ligands vitronectin, laminin and fibronectin stimulated mitochondrial function. Pharmacological inhibition of FAK completely abolished mitochondrial function within 4 h while FAK siRNA treatments confirmed the specificity of FAK signaling. WT, but not S727A functionally dead mutant STAT3, rescued bioenergetics in cells made null for STAT3 using CRISPR-Cas9. STAT3 inhibition with stattic in whole cells rapidly reduced mitochondrial function and mitochondrial pS727-STAT3. Stattic treatment of isolated mitochondria did not reduce pS727 whereas more was detected upon phosphatase inhibition. This suggests that S727-STAT3 is activated in the cytoplasm and is short-lived upon translocation to the mitochondria. FAK inhibition reduced pS727-STAT3 within mitochondria and reduced mitochondrial function in a non-transcriptional manner, as shown by co-treatment with actinomycin. Treatment with the small molecule bryostatin-1 or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which indirectly activate S727-STAT3, preserved mitochondrial function during FAK inhibition, but failed in the presence of the STAT3 inhibitor. FAK inhibition induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, which was counteracted by bryostatin, and increased superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production. Bryostatin and HGF reduced the substantial cell death caused by FAK inhibition over a 24 h period.

Conclusion

These data suggest that extracellular matrix molecules promote STAT3-dependent mitochondrial function and cell survival through integrin-FAK signaling. We furthermore show a new treatment strategy for cell survival using S727-STAT3 activators.

Decoding Warburg's hypothesis: tumor-related mutations in the mitochondrial respiratory chain

Otto Warburg observed that cancer cells derived their energy from aerobic glycolysis by converting glucose to lactate. This mechanism is in opposition to the higher energy requirements of cancer cells because oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) produces more ATP from glucose. Warburg hypothesized that this phenomenon occurs due to the malfunction of mitochondria in cancer cells. The rediscovery of Warburg's hypothesis coincided with the discovery of mitochondrial tumor suppressor genes that may conform to Warburg's hypothesis along with the demonstrated negative impact of HIF-1 on PDH activity and the activation of HIF-1 by oncogenic signals such as activated AKT. This work summarizes the alterations in mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins that have been identified and their involvement in cancer. Also discussed is the fact that most of the mitochondrial mutations have been found in homoplasmy, indicating a positive selection during tumor evolution, thereby supporting their causal role.

On the trail of the glycan codes stored in cancer-related cell adhesion proteins

Changes in the profile of protein glycosylation are a hallmark of ongoing neoplastic transformation. A unique set of tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens expressed on the surface of malignant cells may serve as powerful diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Cell-surface proteins with altered glycosylation affect the growth, proliferation and survival of those cells, and contribute to their acquisition of the ability to migrate and invade. They may also facilitate tumor-induced immunosuppression and the formation of distant metastases. Deciphering the information encoded in these particular glycan portions of glycoconjugates may shed light on the mechanisms of cancer progression and metastasis. A majority of the related review papers have focused on overall changes in the patterns of cell-surface glycans in various cancers, without pinpointing the molecular carriers of these glycan structures. The present review highlights the ways in which particular tumor-associated glycan(s) coupled with a given membrane-bound protein influence neoplastic cell behavior during the development and progression of cancer. We focus on altered glycosylated cell-adhesion molecules belonging to the cadherin, integrin and immunoglobulin-like superfamilies, examined in the context of molecular interactions.

β1 Integrins as Therapeutic Targets to Disrupt Hallmarks of Cancer

Integrins belong to a large family of αβ heterodimeric transmembrane proteins first recognized as adhesion molecules that bind to dedicated elements of the extracellular matrix and also to other surrounding cells. As important sensors of the cell microenvironment, they regulate numerous signaling pathways in response to structural variations of the extracellular matrix. Biochemical and biomechanical cues provided by this matrix and transmitted to cells via integrins are critically modified in tumoral settings. Integrins repertoire are subjected to expression level modifications, in tumor cells, and in surrounding cancer-associated cells, implicated in tumor initiation and progression as well. As critical players in numerous cancer hallmarks, defined by Hanahan and Weinberg (2011), integrins represent pertinent therapeutic targets. We will briefly summarize here our current knowledge about integrin implications in those different hallmarks focusing primarily on β1 integrins.

[Experience in the management of children with diabetes mellitus]

Aerobic glycolysis, also referred to as the Warburg effect, has been regarded as the dominant metabolic phenotype in cancer cells for a long time. More recently, it has been shown that mitochondria in most tumors are not defective in their ability to carry out oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Instead, in highly aggressive cancer cells, mitochondrial energy pathways are reprogrammed to meet the challenges of high energy demand, better utilization of available fuels and macromolecular synthesis for rapid cell division and migration. Mitochondrial energy reprogramming is also involved in the regulation of oncogenic pathways via mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling and post-translational modification of oncoproteins. In addition, neoplastic mitochondria can engage in crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. For example, signals from cancer-associated fibroblasts can drive tumor mitochondria to utilize OXPHOS, a process known as the reverse Warburg effect. Emerging evidence shows that cancer cells can acquire a hybrid glycolysis/OXPHOS phenotype in which both glycolysis and OXPHOS can be utilized for energy production and biomass synthesis. The hybrid glycolysis/OXPHOS phenotype facilitates metabolic plasticity of cancer cells and may be specifically associated with metastasis and therapy-resistance. Moreover, cancer cells can switch their metabolism phenotypes in response to external stimuli for better survival. Taking into account the metabolic heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer cells, therapies targeting cancer metabolic dependency in principle can be made more effective.