Mitochondrial Genetics and Cancer

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. General Overview of Mitochondrial Genetics and Functions

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Basic Mitochondrial Genetics, Bioenergetics, and Biogenesis

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 3-38

   3. The Warburg Phenomenon and Other Metabolic Alterations of Cancer Cells

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 39-66

   4. Mitochondrial Control of Apoptosis and Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 67-92

   5. Mitochondrial-to-Nuclear Communications in Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 93-115

3. Mitochondrial Genetic Alterations in Cancer

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 118-118

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   2. Types of Mitochondrial Genetic Alterations in Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 119-134

   3. Mitochondrial Genetic Alterations in Cancer I

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 135-165

   4. Mitochondrial Genetic Alterations in Cancer II

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 167-185

   5. Mitochondrial Genome Rearrangements and Copy Number Changes in Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 187-212

   6. Functional Importance of Mitochondrial Genetic Alterations in Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 213-236

   7. The Role of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 237-256

4. Clinical Applications of Mitochondrial Genome Changes in Cancer

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 258-258

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   2. Mitochondrial DNA Measurement in Exfoliated Cells for Cancer Detection and Monitoring: The Copy Number Advantage

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 259-274

   3. Early Cancer Detection and Monitoring Using Changes in the Mitochondrial Genome as Biosensors

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 275-296

   4. Analysis of Mitochondrial Genome Alterations in Cancer

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 297-319

   5. “Mitocans”: Agents Targeting Mitochondria to Kill Cancer Cells

      • Gabriel D. Dakubo

      Pages 321-344

5. Back Matter

   Pages 345-356

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With very few exceptions, eukaryotic cells possess two interdependent genomes, chromosomal and extra-chromosomal. Over the past several decades, cancer - search has focused primarily on deciphering the intricate alterations in the chro- somal genome, with until recently, very little attention to its cytoplasmic counterpart. In spite of the enormous complexity of the nuclear genome, which we now fully appreciate after completion of the human genome project, the efforts of cancer researchers are commendable in terms of the tremendous gains made in unraveling the numerous genetic changes in cancer. These changes include d- coveries of tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and caretaker genes that are often mutated in cancer. Recent studies of genomic pro?les are uncovering even more altered and mutated genes in cancer. Besides these ?ndings, several therapeutic targets for chemotherapy are currently made from studies of altered nuclear genetic pathways. Inspite of all these positive efforts, the war on cancer, declared in 1971 by Richard Nixon, is far from being worn. Indeed, the failure of chemotherapy is obvious to clinicians, oncologists, and their patients alike. Moreover, the global incidence and prevalence of cancer continue to rise. What are we missing? Which direction should we be taking? Of course, modern integrated nuclear genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics should provide important clues to carcinogenesis, but the contribution of cytoplasmic genetic alterations to carcinogenesis cannot be neglected.

• DNA
• apoptosis
• cancer therapy
• carcinogenesis
• genetics
• mitochondrial genome mutations
• tissue

• Genesis Genomics, Inc., Thunder Bay, Canada

  Gabriel D. Dakubo

Gabriel D. Dakubo is the founder of Mito-Onc Consultancy, a pioneer consulting firm that provides evidence-based advice on discovery, validation and regulatory submission of cancer biomarkers based on mitochondrial genomic alterations.

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