Mitochondrial Targeting: A New Frontier in Cancer Therapy

Mitochondria, often described as the "powerhouses" of the cell, are vital for energy production, regulation of cell death, and various metabolic processes. In recent years, research has shifted towards understanding mitochondria as active players in cancer initiation and progression rather than mere energy suppliers. Studies reveal that mitochondria contribute significantly to tumor growth, survival, and resistance against conventional cancer therapies. This realization has sparked interest in targeting mitochondria as an innovative strategy for cancer treatment. By intervening directly with mitochondrial functions or targeting unique mitochondrial vulnerabilities in cancer cells, there is potential for developing selective and more effective anticancer therapies. Despite promising findings from preclinical and clinical studies, there remains a gap in translating these potential therapies into widespread clinical application, reflecting an evolving frontier in cancer research.

This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of mitochondrial targeting in cancer therapy. A primary objective is to investigate how exploiting mitochondrial functions can lead to more selective and effective treatments, ultimately overcoming cancer resistance mechanisms. Key questions include identifying specific mitochondrial targets within cancer cells and understanding how disrupting mitochondrial functions can induce selective cancer cell death without harming normal cells.

To gather further insights in this rapidly evolving field of cancer therapeutics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer
o Development of mitochondria-targeted drugs
o Mitochondrial dynamics and their role in tumorigenesis
o Clinical trials and advancements in mitochondria-targeting therapies
o Overcoming resistance mechanisms through mitochondrial interventions

We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and short communications that contribute to this area, offering new perspectives and methodologies.

Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public omics databases that are not supplemented by relevant functional validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this Research Topic.

Topic editor Bela Ozsvari is employed by Lunellabiotech Inc.. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.