Mitochondria: An intriguing target for killing tumour-initiating cells

Mitochondrion. 2016 Jan:26:86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2015.12.007. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

Abstract

Tumour-initiating cells (TICs) play a pivotal role in cancer initiation, metastasis and recurrence, as well as in resistance to therapy. Therefore, development of drugs targeting TICs has become a focus of contemporary research. Mitochondria have emerged as a promising target of anti-cancer therapies due to their specific role in cancer metabolism and modulation of apoptotic pathways. Mitochondria of TICs possess special characteristics, some of which can be utilised to design drugs specifically targeting these cells. In this paper, we will review recent research on TICs and their mitochondria, and introduce drugs that kill these cells by way of mitochondrial targeting.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Cancer stem cells; Cell death; Mitocans; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial potential; Therapeutic resistance; Tumour-initiating cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / pathology
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents