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Mitochondria: Insights into Crucial Features to Overcome Cancer Chemoresistance

Authors :
Ilaria Genovese
Lorenzo Modesti
Gianluca Aguiari
Paolo Pinton
Marianna Carinci
Carlotta Giorgi
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 22, Iss 4770, p 4770 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Mitochondria are key regulators of cell survival and are involved in a plethora of mechanisms, such as metabolism, Ca2+ signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitophagy and mitochondrial transfer, fusion, and fission (known as mitochondrial dynamics). The tuning of these processes in pathophysiological conditions is fundamental to the balance between cell death and survival. Indeed, ROS overproduction and mitochondrial Ca2+ overload are linked to the induction of apoptosis, while the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism can have a double-faceted role in the decision between cell survival and death. Tumorigenesis involves an intricate series of cellular impairments not yet completely clarified, and a further level of complexity is added by the onset of apoptosis resistance mechanisms in cancer cells. In the majority of cases, cancer relapse or lack of responsiveness is related to the emergence of chemoresistance, which may be due to the cooperation of several cellular protection mechanisms, often mitochondria-related. With this review, we aim to critically report the current evidence on the relationship between mitochondria and cancer chemoresistance with a particular focus on the involvement of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling, oxidative stress, and metabolism to possibly identify new approaches or targets for overcoming cancer resistance.

Details

ISSN :
14220067
Volume :
22
Issue :
9
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International journal of molecular sciences
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....291af68ca967f7e6b7f70b4a4d3e748f