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Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Variations in Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: Potential Players

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Abstract

Alterations of mitochondria have been linked to several cancers. Also, the mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is altered in various cancers, including gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers, and several research groups have investigated its potential as a cancer biomarker. However, the exact causes of mtDNA-CN variations are not yet revealed. This review discussed the conceivable players in this scheme, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), mtDNA genetic variations, DNA methylation, telomere length, autophagy, immune system activation, aging, and infections, and discussed their possible impact in the initiation and progression of cancer. By further exploring such mechanisms, mtDNA-CN variations may be effectively utilized as cancer biomarkers and provide grounds for developing novel cancer therapeutic agents.

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Funding

This project was supported by a grant #833 from Pasteur Institute of Iran, as partial fulfillment of MA Ph.D. dissertation (code: TP-9347).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

    Mehdi Alikhani  & Marjan Mohammadi

  2. Unit of Helicobacter Pathogenesis, Department of Microbiology, CNRS UMR2001, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux cedex 15, 75724, Paris, France

    Eliette Touati

  3. Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

    Morteza Karimipoor

  4. Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

    Massoud Vosough

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  1. Mehdi Alikhani
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  5. Marjan Mohammadi
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MA and MM designed, wrote, and revised the manuscripts. ET, MK, and MV provided revisions. MM supervised the entire process.

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Correspondence to Marjan Mohammadi.

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Alikhani , M., Touati, E., Karimipoor, M. et al. Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Variations in Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers: Potential Players. J Gastrointest Canc 53, 770–781 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12029-021-00707-w

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