Mitochondrial DNA Affects the Expression of Nuclear Genes Involved in Immune and Stress Responses in a Breast Cancer Model.

Tumor cells without mitochondrial (mt) DNA (ρ cells) are auxotrophic for uridine, and their growth is supported by pyruvate. While ATP synthesis in ρ cells relies on glycolysis, they fail to form tumors unless they acquire mitochondria from stromal cells. Mitochondrial acquisition restores respiration that is essential for pyrimidine biosynthesis and for mitochondrial ATP production.

Intercellular Communication in Tumor Biology: A Role for Mitochondrial Transfer.

Intercellular communication between cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment plays a defining role in tumor development. Tumors contain infiltrates of stromal cells and immune cells that can either promote or inhibit tumor growth, depending on the cytokine/chemokine milieu of the tumor microenvironment and their effect on cell activation status. Recent research has shown that stromal cells can also affect tumor growth through the donation of mitochondria to respiration-deficient tumor cells, restoring normal respiration.