Maternally inherited susceptibility to cancer.
Tumor microenvironment promotes mtDNA mutations. A number of these mutations will affect cell metabolism and increase cell survival. These mutations are positively selected and contribute to other tumor features, such as extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenic processes, thus favoring metastases. Like somatic mutations, although with less marked effects, some mtDNA population polymorphisms will affect OXPHOS function, cell metabolism, and homeostasis. Thus, they could behave as inherited susceptibility factors for cancer. However, in addition to epidemiological evidence, other more direct clues are required. The cybrid approach can help to clarify this issue.
Bayona-Bafaluy
María Pilar
MP
Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013-Zaragoza, Spain.
López-Gallardo
Ester
E
Montoya
Julio
J
Ruiz-Pesini
Eduardo
E
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D050259:Genes, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D040582:Inheritance Patterns / Q000502:physiology; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D010085:Oxidative Phosphorylation; D011247:Pregnancy