Mitochondria as targets for established and novel anti-cancer agents

• Published in: Drug Resistance Updates 2001-04, Vol.4 (2), p.85-91
• Main Authors: Grad, Jennifer M., Cepero, Enrique, Boise, Lawrence H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Humans; Mitochondria - drug effects; Mitochondria - metabolism
• ISSN: 1368-7646; 1532-2084
• DOI: 10.1054/drup.2001.0192

Chemoresistant cells have acquired the ability to evade the action of multiple classes of anti-neoplastic compounds. One mechanism by which tumor cells survive in the presence of chemotherapy is by increasing their apoptotic threshold. Since mitochondria are central players in drug-induced apoptosis, recent efforts to eradicate chemorefractory cells have focused on the identification of compounds that directly affect mitochondrial function.  A number of reports indicate that mitochondria are direct targets for multiple classes of experimental compounds.  A few clinically available anticancer agents like DNA damaging compounds and anti-microtubule agents are also reported to act directly on mitochondria. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss recent advances in the interactions between anti-cancer agents and mitochondria, and highlight potential mitochondrial targets for novel chemotherapeutic interventions.