Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolic Reprogramming as a Potential Approach for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Abnormal energy metabolism is a characteristic of tumor cells, and mitochondria are important components of tumor metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondria have gradually received the attention of scientists due to their important functions, such as providing chemical energy, producing substrates for tumor anabolism, controlling REDOX and calcium homeostasis, participating in the regulation of transcription, and controlling cell death. Based on the concept of reprogramming mitochondrial metabolism, a range of drugs have been developed to target the mitochondria. In this review, we discuss the current progress in mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming and summarized the corresponding treatment options. Finally, we propose mitochondrial inner membrane transporters as new and feasible therapeutic targets.

Aspartate-glutamate carrier 2 (citrin): a role in glucose and amino acid metabolism in the liver

“…Hence, it has been suggested that the upregulation of AGC1 (CLC25A12, aralar 1) plays a role in carcinogenesis in patients with AGC2 (SLC25A13) deficiency ( 46 , 47 ). All these studies indicate AGC as a potential therapeutic target to fight cancer ( 48 , 49 ).…”

Mitochondrial-Targeting Nanotrapper Captured Copper Ions to Alleviate Tumor Hypoxia for Amplified Photoimmunotherapy in Breast Cancer

“…However, the transient alleviation of hypoxia fails to address the underlying issue of increased O 2 consumption resulting from the rapid proliferation of tumor cells . Conversely, it possesses the potential to induce the risk of promoting tumor cell proliferation and recurrence. , Recent studies have provided evidence that even a slight reduction in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was more effective in alleviating hypoxia, owing to an increase the oxygen partial pressure (PO 2 ) within both tumor microvessels and tumor tissues. ,, The primary oxygen consumption in tumor cells is attributed to the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. ,, Therefore, inhibition of the electron transport chain (ETC), which is the crucial process in OXPHOS, presents a more efficacious strategy for alleviating tumor hypoxia by reducing the OCR. − …”