Neuronal Transfer of Mitochondria to Tumour Cells Promotes Cancer Spread

Cancer cells steal mitochondria from nerve cells to fuel their spread

Cancer cells can acquire energy-generating structures called mitochondria from nearby nerve cells, which seems to aid their spread, a discovery that could lead to new treatments

Neuronal transfer of mitochondria to tumour cells promotes cancer spread

Neurons often receive organelles called mitochondria from other cells. It emerges that neurons donate mitochondria that support cancer-cell spread. Neurons often receive organelles called mitochondria from other cells. It emerges that neurons donate mitochondria that support cancer-cell spread.

Aged Microglia Exhibit Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Microglia are innate immune cells resident in the brain, analogous to macrophages elsewhere in the body, but with a portfolio of duties that also includes assisting in the maintenance and function of neural networks. With age, microglia become more inflammatory and active, and this contributes to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative conditions. There are many known contributing causes, one of which is the mitochondrial dysfunction that…

Nerves Transfer Mitochondria Fueling Cancer Spread

In a groundbreaking exploration into the intricate dialogue between nerves and cancer cells, recent research has unveiled a remarkable phenomenon: the direct transfer of mitochondria from peripheral nerves to cancer cells during metastasis. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of tumor microenvironment interactions but also opens new vistas for targeting cancer progression through neural modulation. The research, conducted using so…

Cancer Cells Hijack Mitochondria from Neurons to Fuel Their Growth

Neurons Growing Among Cancer Cell Cultures (Stained Green) Simon Grelet and Gustavo Ayala Cancer cells are known to hijack energy-generating components from neurons, facilitating their spread to remote locations. This groundbreaking discovery may enhance treatments for the most aggressive tumors. “This marks the first instance of mitochondrial transfer from nerves to cancer cells,” states Elizabeth [...] The post Cancer Cells Hijack Mitochondria…