Mitochondrial Dynamics in Regulating the Unique Phenotypes of Cancer and Stem Cells

Publication date: Available online 22 June 2017
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Hsiuchen Chen, David C. Chan
Cancer and stem cells appear to share a common metabolic profile that is characterized by high utilization of glucose through aerobic glycolysis. In the presence of sufficient nutrients, this metabolic strategy provides sufficient cellular ATP while additionally providing important metabolites necessary for the biosynthetic demands of continuous cell proliferation. Recent studies indicate that this metabolic profile is dependent on genes that regulate the fusion and fission of mitochondria. High levels of mitochondrial fission activity are associated with high proliferation and invasiveness in some cancer cells and with self-renewal and resistance to differentiation in some stem cells. These observations reveal new ways in which mitochondria regulate cell physiology, through their effects on metabolism and cell signaling.

Teaser

Cancer and stem cells often have similar metabolic profiles characterized by high utilization of glucose to support cell growth and renewal. Chen and Chan discuss studies showing that this metabolic profile is tailored to the special features of these cells and depends on mitochondrial fusion and fission.


http://ift.tt/2t10Gvs