Overexpression of the mitochondrial chaperone tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 is associated with the poor prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer

The Mitochondrial HSP90 Paralog TRAP1: Structural Dynamics, Interactome, Role in Metabolic Regulation, and Inhibitors

The HSP90 paralog TRAP1 was discovered more than 20 years ago; yet, a detailed understanding of the function of this mitochondrial molecular chaperone remains elusive. The dispensable nature of TRAP1 in vitro and in vivo further complicates an understanding of its role in mitochondrial biology. TRAP1 is more homologous to the bacterial HSP90, HtpG, than to eukaryotic HSP90. Lacking co-chaperones, the unique structural features of TRAP1 likely regulate its temperature-sensitive ATPase activity and shed light on the alternative mechanisms driving the chaperone’s nucleotide-dependent cycle in a defined environment whose physiological temperature approaches 50 °C. TRAP1 appears to be an important bioregulator of mitochondrial respiration, mediating the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, while at the same time promoting mitochondrial homeostasis and displaying cytoprotective activity. Inactivation/loss of TRAP1 has been observed in several neurodegenerative diseases while TRAP1 expression is reported to be elevated in multiple cancers and, as with HSP90, evidence of addiction to TRAP1 has been observed. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about this unique HSP90 paralog and why a better understanding of TRAP1 structure, function, and regulation is likely to enhance our understanding of the mechanistic basis of mitochondrial homeostasis.

The Role of Mitochondria Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the leading gut chronic inflammation disorders, especially prevalent in Western countries. Recent research suggests that mitochondria play a crucial role in IBD development and progression to the more severe disease-colorectal cancer (CRC). In this review, we focus on the role of mitochondrial mutations and dysfunctions in IBD and CRC. In addition, main mitochondria-related molecular pathways involved in IBD to CRC transition are discussed. Additionally, recent publications dedicated to mitochondria-targeted therapeutic approaches to cure IBD and prevent CRC progression are discussed.