Mitochondrial transport: How does it impact cancer?

Abstract

Cancer cells are characterized by a deregulation of their metabolic activity, which allows them to meet a high energy demand. Mitochondria are key organelles that control several metabolic processes and represent the main source of energy in the form of ATP. Intracellular transport of mitochondria is essential for addressing these organelles to the right place at the right time according to energy requirement. Mitochondrial transport in cancer cells involves mitochondria-associated Miro/TRAK complexes that bind to motor proteins (kinesins, dyneins and myosins) to promote mitochondrial displacement along microtubules or actin filaments. This review focuses on the molecular players of intracellular mitochondrial transport along microtubules during cell migration and mitosis, and their deregulation in tissues from cancer patients. Intercellular mitochondrial transport upon cancer cell exposure to hypoxia or chemotherapy is also presented. This field of investigation opens new interesting perspectives in oncology, as targeting mitochondrial transport may represent an innovative strategy for treating cancer.