Abstract

Since the discovery 5 years ago that the D-subunit of succinate dehydrogenase (SDHD) can behave as a classic tumour suppressor, other nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins (SDHB, SDHC and fumarate hydratase) have been implicated in tumour susceptibility. Mutations in these proteins are principally involved in familial predisposition to benign tumours, but the spectrum of inherited lesions is increasingly recognized to include malignant tumours, such as malignant phaeochromocytomas and renal cell carcinomas. Here we review recent advances in the field of mitochondrial tumour suppressors, the biochemical pathway that links mitochondrial dysfunction with tumorigenesis, and potential therapeutic approaches to these malignancies.

Author affiliations

1. Apoptosis and Tumour Physiology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
2. Molecular and Population Genetics Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, Lincolns Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK.

Correspondence to: Eyal Gottlieb¹ Email: e.gottlieb@beatson.gla.ac.uk

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