MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE AND SUCCINATE DEHYDROGENASE: EMERGING BIOMARKERS IN CANCER

Mitochondria, renowned as the cell’s “powerhouse,” plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism, influencing various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer initiation and progression. This review delves into the significance of mitochondrial enzymes, specifically Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH) and Cytochrome c Oxidase (CcO), in cancer biology. Alterations in these enzymes’ activity and expression levels are associated with changes in cellular energetics, oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways, contributing to tumorigenesis. Mutations in SDH subunits are linked to various cancers, particularly paraganglioma, and pheochromocytoma, while decreased CcO activity correlates with cancer development and progression. Experimental evidence, including studies on DBN-treated mice, demonstrates a significant decrease in SDH and CcO activities in cancerous tissues compared to controls, underscoring their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The review also discusses challenges and future directions in utilizing these mitochondrial enzymes as cancer biomarkers, emphasizing the need for further research to enhance their clinical applicability. In conclusion, understanding the roles of SDH and CcO in cancer metabolism offers promising avenues for advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.