Post-translational modifications on mitochondrial metabolic enzymes in cancer.

Mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell. The research of nearly a century has expanded our understanding of mitochondrion, far beyond the view that mitochondrion is an important energy generator of cells. During the initiation, growth and survival of tumor cells, significant mitochondrial metabolic changes have taken place in the important enzymes of respiratory chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, oxidative stress regulation and molecular signaling. Therefore, mitochondrial metabolic proteins are the key mediators of tumorigenesis. Post-translational modification is the molecular switch that regulates protein function. Understanding how these mitochondria-related post-translational modification function during tumorigenesis will bring new ideas for the next generation of cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • Mitochondrial metabolic proteins are the key mediators of tumorigenesis. • The role of mitochondria in cancer is closely driven by the post-translational modifications (PTMs). • PTMs of mitochondrial metabolic proteins may bring new ideas for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]