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Mitochondrial DNA levels reveal links to tumor growth and chemotherapy-related gene activity

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Mitochondrial DNA levels reveal links to tumor growth and chemotherapy-related gene activity

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Mitochondria are small organelles within cells that play a central role in vital cellular processes, especially energy production. Mitochondria contain their own DNA molecules (mtDNA) that are essential for mitochondrial function.

New research in The FEBS Journal found a correlation between mtDNA copy number and the extent of genetic mutations within cancer cells, suggesting that mtDNA may affect cancer severity.

Also, an increase in mtDNA copy number showed a signature of compensation for impaired mitochondrial function in cancer cells. In addition, variation in mtDNA copy number was associated with differential expression of genes linked to chemotherapy response, as well as various aspects of cancer—for example, high mtDNA copy number was linked with the expression of genes that support tumor growth and survival.

"Our results reveal a close association of mtDNA copy number with cancer progression and therapy response. These findings could pave the way for deeper investigations into the role of mitochondria in cancer that will enable new cancer management strategies," said corresponding author Riddhiman Dhar, Ph.D., of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Multi-cancer analysis reveals mtDNA copy number as a key determinant of mutational load and cancer progression, FEBS Journal (2026). DOI: 10.1111/febs.70736



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