Partial inhibition of mitochondrial-linked pyrimidine synthesis increases tumorigenic potential and lysosome accumulation.

The correlation between mitochondrial function and oncogenesis is complex and is not fully understood. Here we determine the importance of mitochondrial-linked pyrimidine synthesis for the aggressiveness of cancer cells. The enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) links oxidative phosphorylation to de novo synthesis of pyrimidines. We demonstrate that an inhibition of DHODH results in a respiration-independent significant increase of anchorage-independent growth but does not affect DNA repair ability. Instead, we show an autophagy-independent increase of lysosomes. The results of this study suggest that inhibition of mitochondrial-linked pyrimidine synthesis in cancer cells results in a more aggressive tumor phenotype.

From Powerhouse to Perpetrator-Mitochondria in Health and Disease.

In this review we discuss the interaction between metabolic stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genomic instability. Unrepaired DNA damage in the nucleus resulting from excess accumulation of DNA damages and stalled replication can initiate cellular signaling responses that negatively affect metabolism and mitochondrial function. On the other hand, mitochondrial pathologies can also lead to stress in the nucleus, and cause sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. These are examples of how hallmarks of cancer and aging are connected and influenced by each other to protect humans from disease.

Is There a Link between Mitochondrial Reserve Respiratory Capacity and Aging?

Oxidative phosphorylation is an indispensable resource of ATP in tissues with high requirement of energy. If the ATP demand is not met, studies suggest that this will lead to senescence and cell death in the affected tissue. The term reserve respiratory capacity or spare respiratory capacity is used to describe the amount of extra ATP that can be produced by oxidative phosphorylation in case of a sudden increase in energy demand. Depletion of the reserve respiratory capacity has been related to a range of pathologies affecting high energy requiring tissues. During aging of an organism, and as a result of mitochondrial dysfunctions, the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation declines. Based on examples from the energy requiring tissues such as brain, heart, and skeletal muscle, we propose that the age-related decline of oxidative phosphorylation decreases the reserve respiratory capacity of the affected tissue, sensitizes the cells to surges in ATP demand, and increases the risk of resulting pathologies.