Question

4. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial bioenergetics and signaling are required for tumorigenesis.

Does targeting mitochondrial metabolism represent a viable therapeutic strategy?

Discuss the evidence both for and against targeting mitochondrial metabolism for the treatment of cancer. (1/2 page max)

Please type, hand written answers are hard to read. Please address all parts of the question.

Answer 1

Answer:

Cancer is abnormal cell growth occurring anywhere inside the body. It occurs due to abnormal cell cycle inside the body. It could spread to other parts of a body from a particular source leading to benign and malignant conditions. Mitochondria are organelles which are considered to be the power house of cell cycle that stores energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism represent a viable therapeutic strategy

Mitochondrion plays an important role in oxidative phosphorylation. It also acts as a center against cellular stress preventing ROS (reactive oxygen species) formation. Several targets focus on the role of apoptosis in mitochondria. The inhibition of cell growth and proliferation prevents cancer when apoptosis is targeted. Mitochondrial oxidation phosphorylation has an important role in apoptosis, ROS formation and energy production. Cancer cells predominantly require glucose from glycolysis and ATP pool from mitochondria. Targeting signaling pathways linked with glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism can decrease the cell proliferation. Hence targeting oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria could be a viable strategy for cancer.

Evidence both for and against targeting mitochondrial metabolism for the treatment of cancer

Cancer cells proliferate in presence of ATP and glucose. The ROS generated inside the mitochondria promotes increased cell proliferation and tumor production. Cancer cells increase the NADPH production inside the mitochondria and cytosol, to maintain high antioxidant level preventing the detrimental ROS. This is against targeting mitochondrial metabolism.

Mitochondrion is a key player in tumor control by apoptosis. A study shows that trans-mitochondrial chimeric cells showed repair mechanisms that increased genomic instability and mutations could decrease the risk of cancer development. This concept is for targeting mitochondrial metabolism.