Molecular determinants supporting the development of head and neck cancer
“(…) developing targeted therapies that specifically inhibit ATAD3A in cancer cells while sparing normal cells will be a challenging but critical task.”
Credit: 2023 Teng.
“(…) developing targeted therapies that specifically inhibit ATAD3A in cancer cells while sparing normal cells will be a challenging but critical task.”
BUFFALO, NY- April 28, 2023 – New research perspectives published in Oncoscience (Volume 10) on April 4, 2023 entitled, “Mitochondrial regulator ATAD3A: a molecular determinant that supports head and neck cancer development.”
In addition to their role in energy metabolism, mitochondria play important roles in other cellular processes, such as apoptosis, calcium signaling and the synthesis of certain biomolecules. Mitochondria are also involved in the development and progression of cancer. In some cases, cancer cells may overproduce certain mitochondrial proteins, known as oncoproteins, which contribute to the uncontrolled growth and survival of cancer cells.
Targeting these oncoproteins could offer new approaches for developing effective cancer therapies. However, non-specific targeting of mitochondrial function has significant unwarranted effects on normal cell growth, and can lead to unwanted side effects. In this new research perspective, researcher Yong Teng from Emory University And Georgia Institute of Technology discussed the importance of developing enhanced strategies that can specifically target oncoproteins that are physically localized to mitochondria in cancer cells.
The AAA domain of the mitochondrial ATPase family containing protein 3 (ATAD3) belongs to the AAA+ superfamily of ATPases and is involved in a variety of cellular processes. In a previous study, it was shown that ATAD3A overexpression in breast cancer cells promoted metastasis to the lung and liver in a mouse model, while knockdown suppressed metastasis. ATAD3A has also been linked to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cancer cells lose their epithelial characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, enabling them to invade and migrate.
“Continued research on ATAD3A and its regulation will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and the development of effective anticancer therapies.”
Continue reading: DOIs: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.574
Correspondence to: Yong Teng
Email: (email protected)
Keywords: ATAD3A, ERK1/2, cancer, mitochondria, anticancer targets
About Oncoscience:
Oncoscience is a peer-reviewed, open-access, traditional journal covering the rapidly growing field of cancer research, particularly new topics not currently covered by other journals. This journal has a special mission: Freeing oncologists from publication fees. It’s free for readers and writers.
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DOI
10.18632/oncoscience.574
Research methods
Commentary / editorial
Research Subjects
Animal
Article title
Mitochondrial regulator ATAD3A: a molecular determinant that supports head and neck cancer development
Article Publication Date
10-Apr-2023
