Metabolic plasticity in pancreatic cancer: The mitochondrial connection.

Cellular metabolism plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with dysregulated metabolic pathways contributing to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. Distinct metabolic heterogeneity exists in pancreatic cancer, impacting patient prognosis, as variations in metabolic profiles influence tumor behavior and treatment responses. Here, we review the intricate interplay between mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and cellular metabolism in PDAC. We highlight the significance of mitophagy dysregulation in PDAC pathogenesis, impacting treatment response and prognosis. Additionally, we examine the impact of mitochondrial dynamics alterations on PDAC progression, focusing on the role of fission and fusion processes in tumorigenesis. Ongoing trials have demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of targeting key regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. Despite challenges, targeting mitochondrial metabolism offers diverse strategies to enhance PDAC treatment efficacy, underscoring its potential in advancing cancer therapeutics.