The Role of Mitochondria in The Development and Progression of Cancer

Mitochondria are the extra-nuclear source of DNA in cells and play an important role in cell death susceptibility,  oxidative stress regulation, metabolism, and signaling in normal cells. Because of this, its dysfunction can contribute to the progression of cancer and metastasis. Also, mtDNA mutations have been reported in many cancers, followed by altered mitochondrial activity and cellular signaling . This increase in mtDNA mutation is due to the proximity of the genome to the OXPHOS system which are thought to be more in extent than mutation nuclear. These mutations do not inactivate energy metabolism but change its state. Therefore, it is not surprising that the function of mitochondria is vital for cancer cells, in addition to understanding the mechanisms of mitochondrial function in the process of tumor formation and cancer progression is essential for cancer treatments.