Role of mtDNA mutations in cancer
Mitochondria coordinate energy, biosynthesis, redox balance, and apoptosis to drive tumor growth.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations are common in cancer and affect oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species, and tumorigenesis in a gene- and context-specific manner.
Mitochondrial DNA variants influence the tumor immune microenvironment, modulating immune cells, cytokine signalling, and immunotherapy response.
Mitochondrial DNA base editors (i.e., DdCBEs) now allow precise, heteroplasmy-controlled mutation introduction for functional studies in relevant models.
Recognition of mitochondrial metabolic plasticity and intercellular mitochondrial transfer underscores new therapeutic opportunities to target tumor metabolism and enhance immune-based cancer therapies.
https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914(26)00033-X
