Mitochondrial alterations during carcinogenesis. A review of metabolic transformation and targets for anticancer treatments

Mitochondria play important roles in multiple cellular processes including energy metabolism, cell death, and aging. Regulated energy production and utilization are critical in maintaining energy homeostasis in normal cells and functional organs. However, mitochondria go through a series of morphological and functional alterations during carcinogenesis. The metabolic profile in transformed cells is altered to accommodate their fast proliferation, confer resistance to cell death, or facilitate metastasis. These transformations also provide targets for anticancer treatment at different levels. In this review, we discuss the major modifications in cell metabolism during carcinogenesis, including energy metabolism, apoptotic and autophagic cell death, adaptation of tumor microenvironment, and metastasis. We also summarize some of the main metabolic targets for treatments.