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Review
. 2013 Jan;5(1):53-67.
doi: 10.4155/fmc.12.190.

Targeting cancer cell mitochondria as a therapeutic approach

Affiliations
Review

Targeting cancer cell mitochondria as a therapeutic approach

Shijun Wen et al. Future Med Chem. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Mitochondria are double membrane-enveloped organelles that play a central role in cellular metabolism, calcium homeostasis, redox signaling and cell fates. They function as main generators of ATP, metabolites for the construction of macromolecules and reactive oxygen species. In many cancer cells, mitochondria seem dysfunctional, manifested by a shift of energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to active glycolysis and an increase in reactive oxygen species generation. These metabolic changes are often associated with upregulation of NAD(P)H oxidase. Importantly, the metabolic reprogramming in a cancer cell is mechanistically linked to oncogenic signals. Targeting mitochondria as a cancer therapeutic strategy has attracted much attention in the recent years and multiple review articles in this area have been published. This article attempts to provide an update on recent progress in identification of mitochondria-associated molecules as potential anticancer targets and the respective targeting compounds.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Mitochondria-associated molecules and pathways as potential targets for anticancer agents
The putative targets and relevant pathways are shown in ovals, while the small-molecular-weight compounds are shown in red boxes. GSH: Glutathione; METC: Mitochondrial electron transport chain; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; VDAC: Voltage-dependent anion channel.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pancratistatin
Figure 3
Figure 3. Silver carbene
X = Cl, Br, I; R1, R2 = alkyl or aryl.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Rhodamine-123.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Naphthyridine derivative.
Figure 6
Figure 6
2,5-diaziridinyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (RH1).
Figure 7
Figure 7
PMT7.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Sodium selenite.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Edelfosine.
Figure 10
Figure 10
MitoVES.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Arsenic trioxide.
Figure 12
Figure 12
SL017.
Figure 13
Figure 13
11β (CAS 865070-37-7).
Figure 14
Figure 14
Aspirin.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Ellipticine.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Curcumin.
Figure 17
Figure 17
Resveratrol.
Figure 18
Figure 18
Berberine.
Figure 19
Figure 19
Cerulenin.
Figure 20
Figure 20. Ruthenium complexes
(A) [RuCl2(DMSO)2(H2biim)]; (B) mer-[RuCl3(DMSO)(H2biim)]; (C) NAMI-A.
Figure 21
Figure 21
Gamitrinibs. n = 4, 2, 0.
Figure 22
Figure 22
Celastrol.
Figure 23
Figure 23
Metformin.
Figure 24
Figure 24
OSU-53.
Figure 25
Figure 25
CPI-613.
Figure 26
Figure 26
Tigecycline.
Figure 27
Figure 27
Brilliant green.

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