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Cancer & Metabolism
Published in: Cancer & Metabolism 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

Mitochondria as biosynthetic factories for cancer proliferation

Authors: Christopher S Ahn, Christian M Metallo

Published in: Cancer & Metabolism | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Unchecked growth and proliferation is a hallmark of cancer, and numerous oncogenic mutations reprogram cellular metabolism to fuel these processes. As a central metabolic organelle, mitochondria execute critical biochemical functions for the synthesis of fundamental cellular components, including fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides. Despite the extensive interest in the glycolytic phenotype of many cancer cells, tumors contain fully functional mitochondria that support proliferation and survival. Furthermore, tumor cells commonly increase flux through one or more mitochondrial pathways, and pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism is emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy in some cancers. Here, we review the biosynthetic roles of mitochondrial metabolism in tumors and highlight specific cancers where these processes are activated.
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Metadata
Title
Mitochondria as biosynthetic factories for cancer proliferation
Authors
Christopher S Ahn
Christian M Metallo
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Cancer & Metabolism / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2049-3002
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40170-015-0128-2

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