What role do mitochondria play in cancer progression?
Mitochondria are central to apoptosis and cellular energy metabolism. In cancer cells, mitochondrial function is often altered to favor aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. This metabolic reprogramming supports the increased energy demands of cancer cells and their rapid growth. Additionally, mitochondria can influence the balance between cell survival and death, thus playing a role in the resistance to apoptosis observed in many cancers.
