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Zhang Y, Yan H, Wei Y, Wei X. Decoding mitochondria's role in immunity and cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189107. [PMID: 38734035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The functions of mitochondria, including energy production and biomolecule synthesis, have been known for a long time. Given the rising incidence of cancer, the role of mitochondria in cancer has become increasingly popular. Activated by components released by mitochondria, various pathways interact with each other to induce immune responses to protect organisms from attack. However, mitochondria play dual roles in the progression of cancer. Abnormalities in proteins, which are the elementary structures of mitochondria, are closely linked with oncogenesis. Both the aberrant accumulation of intermediates and mutations in enzymes result in the generation and progression of cancer. Therefore, targeting mitochondria to treat cancer may be a new strategy. Several drugs aimed at inhibiting mutated enzymes and accumulated intermediates have been tested clinically. Here, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondria in cancer and the interactions between mitochondrial functions, immune responses, and oncogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss mitochondria as hopeful targets for cancer therapy, providing insights into the progression of future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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Picca A, Guerra F, Calvani R, Coelho-Júnior HJ, Leeuwenburgh C, Bucci C, Marzetti E. The contribution of mitochondrial DNA alterations to aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Exp Gerontol 2023; 178:112203. [PMID: 37172915 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is as a double-stranded molecule existing in hundreds to thousands copies in cells depending on cell metabolism and exposure to endogenous and/or environmental stressors. The coordination of mtDNA replication and transcription regulates the pace of mitochondrial biogenesis to guarantee the minimum number of organelles per cell. mtDNA inheritance follows a maternal lineage, although bi-parental inheritance has been reported in some species and in the case of mitochondrial diseases in humans. mtDNA mutations (e.g., point mutations, deletions, copy number variations) have been identified in the setting of several human diseases. For instance, sporadic and inherited rare disorders involving the nervous system as well higher risk of developing cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, have been associated with polymorphic mtDNA variants. An accrual of mtDNA mutations has also been identified in several tissues and organs, including heart and muscle, of old experimental animals and humans, which may contribute to the development of aging phenotypes. The role played by mtDNA homeostasis and mtDNA quality control pathways in human health is actively investigated for the possibility of developing targeted therapeutics for a wide range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Picca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70100 Casamassima, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flora Guerra
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Hélio José Coelho-Júnior
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Bucci
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Zhang X, Dong W, Zhang J, Liu W, Yin J, Shi D, Ma W. A Novel Mitochondrial-Related Nuclear Gene Signature Predicts Overall Survival of Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:740487. [PMID: 34760888 PMCID: PMC8573348 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwei Zhang
- Department of General Thoracic, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of General Thoracic, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jishuai Zhang
- Department of General Thoracic, Feicheng Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Feicheng, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Department of General Thoracic, Shenxian County People's Hospital of Shandong Provincial Group, Liaocheng, China
| | - Jingjing Yin
- Department of General Thoracic, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Duozhi Shi
- Lifehealthcare Clinical Laboratories, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of General Thoracic, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Abstract
Variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence is common in certain tumours. Two classes of cancer mtDNA variants can be identified: de novo mutations that act as 'inducers' of carcinogenesis and functional variants that act as 'adaptors', permitting cancer cells to thrive in different environments. These mtDNA variants have three origins: inherited variants, which run in families, somatic mutations arising within each cell or individual, and variants that are also associated with ancient mtDNA lineages (haplogroups) and are thought to permit adaptation to changing tissue or geographic environments. In addition to mtDNA sequence variation, mtDNA copy number and perhaps transfer of mtDNA sequences into the nucleus can contribute to certain cancers. Strong functional relevance of mtDNA variation has been demonstrated in oncocytoma and prostate cancer, while mtDNA variation has been reported in multiple other cancer types. Alterations in nuclear DNA-encoded mitochondrial genes have confirmed the importance of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer, affecting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, redox state and mitochondrial intermediates that act as substrates for chromatin-modifying enzymes. Hence, subtle changes in the mitochondrial genotype can have profound effects on the nucleus, as well as carcinogenesis and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr K Kopinski
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Larry N Singh
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shiping Zhang
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie T Lott
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Human Genetics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Madrid FF, Grossman LI, Aras S. Mitochondria Autoimmunity and MNRR1 in Breast Carcinogenesis: A Review. JOURNAL OF CANCER IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 2:138-158. [PMID: 33615312 PMCID: PMC7894625 DOI: 10.33696/cancerimmunol.2.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We review here the evidence for participation of mitochondrial autoimmunity in BC inception and progression and propose a new paradigm that may challenge the prevailing thinking in oncogenesis by suggesting that mitochondrial autoimmunity is a major contributor to breast carcinogenesis and probably to the inception and progression of other solid tumors. It has been shown that MNRR1 mediated mitochondrial-nuclear function promotes BC cell growth and migration and the development of metastasis and constitutes a proof of concept supporting the participation of mitochondrial autoimmunity in breast carcinogenesis. The resemblance of the autoantibody profile in BC detected by IFA with that in the rheumatic autoimmune diseases suggested that studies on the autoantibody response to tumor associated antigens and the characterization of the mtDNA- and nDNA-encoded antigens may provide functional data on breast carcinogenesis. We also review the studies supporting the view that a panel of autoreactive nDNA-encoded mitochondrial antigens in addition to MNRR1 may be involved in breast carcinogenesis. These include GAPDH, PKM2, GSTP1, SPATA5, MFF, ncRNA PINK1-AS/DDOST as probably contributing to BC progression and metastases and the evidence suggesting that DDX21 orchestrates a complex signaling network with participation of JUND and ATF3 driving chronic inflammation and breast tumorigenesis. We suggest that the widespread autoreactivity of mtDNA- and nDNA-encoded mitochondrial proteins found in BC sera may be the reflection of autoimmunity triggered by mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial tumor associated antigens involved in multiple tumorigenic pathways. Furthermore, we suggest that mitochondrial proteins may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in BC even if mitochondrial respiration is found to be within normal limits. However, although the studies show that mitochondrial autoimmunity is a major factor in breast cancer inception and progression, it is not the only factor since there is a multiplex autoantibody profile targeting centrosome and stem cell antigens as well as anti-idiotypic antibodies, revealing the complex signaling network involved in breast carcinogenesis. In summary, the studies reviewed here open new, unexpected therapeutic avenues for cancer prevention and treatment of patients with cancer derived from an entirely new perspective of breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Fernández Madrid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
| | - Lawrence I. Grossman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
| | - Siddhesh Aras
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
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Abstract
Apart from reliable management of the "powerhouse" of the cell, mitochondria faithfully orchestrate a diverse array of important and critical functions in governing cellular signaling, apoptosis, autophagy, mitophagy and innate and adaptive immune system. Introduction of instability and imbalance in the mitochondrial own genome or the nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteome would result in the manifestation of various diseases through alterations in the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and nuclear-mitochondria retrograde signaling. Understanding mitochondrial biology and dynamism are thus of paramount importance to develop strategies to prevent or treat various diseases caused due to mitochondrial alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Dasgupta
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, USA
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Kenny TC, Gomez ML, Germain D. Mitohormesis, UPR mt, and the Complexity of Mitochondrial DNA Landscapes in Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 79:6057-6066. [PMID: 31484668 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
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 (UPRmt) but not others. Furthermore, the role of the UPRmt in maintaining cancer cells in the mitohormetic zone to provide selective adaptation to stress is discussed. Among the genes activated by the UPRmt, 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 UPRmt nuclear gene expression signature may be a more reliable readout than mtDNA landscapes, given their diversity and complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Kenny
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Maria L Gomez
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Doris Germain
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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Weerts MJA, Sleijfer S, Martens JWM. The role of mitochondrial DNA in breast tumors. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1202-1208. [PMID: 30910739 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Somatic variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been described in primary breast tumors, including single-nucleotide variants and variation in the number of mtDNA molecules per cell (mtDNA content). However, there is currently a gap in the knowledge on the link between mitochondrial variation in breast cancer cells and their phenotypic behavior (i.e., tumorigenesis) or outcome. This review focuses on recent findings on mtDNA content and mtDNA somatic mutations in breast cancer and the potential biological impact and clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein J A Weerts
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefan Sleijfer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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