Review
Role of mtDNA-related mitoepigenetic phenomena in cancer
André Ferreira,
Teresa L. Serafim,
Vilma A. Sardão,
Teresa Cunha-Oliveira,
André Ferreira
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Search for more papers by this authorTeresa L. Serafim
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Search for more papers by this authorVilma A. Sardão
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Correspondence to: Teresa Cunha-Oliveira, CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UC Biotech Building (Lote 8A), Biocant Park, 3060-197, UC Biotech, Cantanhede, Portugal. Tel.: +351 231249170 (ext 714); fax: +351 231249179; e-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAndré Ferreira,
Teresa L. Serafim,
Vilma A. Sardão,
Teresa Cunha-Oliveira,
André Ferreira
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Search for more papers by this authorTeresa L. Serafim
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Search for more papers by this authorVilma A. Sardão
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
Correspondence to: Teresa Cunha-Oliveira, CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UC Biotech Building (Lote 8A), Biocant Park, 3060-197, UC Biotech, Cantanhede, Portugal. Tel.: +351 231249170 (ext 714); fax: +351 231249179; e-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Background
Abnormal mitochondrial function has long been associated with the development and the progression of cancer. Multiple defects in the mitochondrial genome have been reported for various cancers, however the often disregarded mitochondrial epigenetic landscape provides an additional source of deregulation that may contribute to carcinogenesis.
Design
This article reviews the current understanding of mitochondrial epigenetics and how it may relate to cancer progression and development. Relevant studies were found through electronic databases (Web of Science and PubMed).
Results and conclusions
The remarkably unexplored field of mitochondrial epigenetics has the potential to shed light on several cancer-related mitochondrial abnormalities. More studies using innovative, genome-wide sequencing technologies are highly warranted to assess whether and how altered mtDNA methylation patterns affect cancer initiation and progression.
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