Mitochondrial remodeling in colorectal cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy: A review

Pathol Res Pract. 2023 Jun:246:154509. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154509. Epub 2023 May 8.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern with multifactorial pathophysiology representing intense therapeutic challenges. It is well known that deregulation of spatiotemporally-controlled signaling pathways and their metabolic reprogramming effects play a pivotal role in the development and progression of CRC. As such, the mitochondrial role in CRC initiation gained a lot of attention recently, as it is considered the powerhouse that regulates the bioenergetics in CRC. In addition, the crosstalk between microRNAs (miRNAs) and mitochondrial dysfunction has become a newfangled passion for deciphering CRC molecular mechanisms. This review sheds light on the relationship between different signaling pathways involved in metabolic reprogramming and their therapeutic targets, alterations in mitochondrial DNA content, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitophagy, and the role of polymorphisms in mitochondrial genes as well as miRNAs regulating mitochondrial proteins in CRC initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to various therapies.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Metabolic reprogramming; Mitochondrial coordination; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Mitochondrial resistance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • MicroRNAs