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Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are frequently observed in tumors, yet their role in pediatric cancers remains poorly understood. The heteroplasmic nature of mtDNA-where mutant and wild-type mtDNA coexist-complicates efforts to define its contribution to disease progression. In this study, bulk whole-genome sequencing of 637 matched tumor-normal samples from the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project revealed an enrichment of functionally impactful mtDNA variants in specific pediatric leukemia subtypes. Collectively, the results from single-cell sequencing of five diagnostic leukemia samples demonstrated that somatic mtDNA mutations can arise early in leukemogenesis and undergo positive selection during disease progression, achieving intermediate heteroplasmy-a "sweet spot" that balances mitochondrial dysfunction with cellular fitness. Network-based systems biology analyses link specific heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations to metabolic reprogramming and therapy resistance. We reveal somatic mtDNA mutations as a potential source of functional heterogeneity and cellular diversity among leukemic cells, influencing their fitness and shaping disease progression.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt3873 | DOI Listing |
Cell Signal
September 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Engin
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a mitochondrial disorder marked by central vision loss, exhibits incomplete penetrance and male predominance. Since there are no adequate models for understanding the rapid vision loss associated with LHON, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from LHON patients carrying the pathogenic m.3635G > A mutation and differentiated them into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeurosci Biobehav Rev
September 2025
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. Electronic address:
Gut-mitochondria is an emerging paradigm in understanding the pathophysiology of complex neuropsychiatric disorders such as Schizophrenia (SCZ). This bidirectional communication network connects the gastrointestinal microbiota with mitochondrial function and brain health, offering novel insights into disease onset and progression. SCZ, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, cognitive impairments, and social withdrawal, has traditionally been attributed to genetic and neurochemical imbalances.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Adv
September 2025
Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are frequently observed in tumors, yet their role in pediatric cancers remains poorly understood. The heteroplasmic nature of mtDNA-where mutant and wild-type mtDNA coexist-complicates efforts to define its contribution to disease progression. In this study, bulk whole-genome sequencing of 637 matched tumor-normal samples from the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project revealed an enrichment of functionally impactful mtDNA variants in specific pediatric leukemia subtypes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer Biol Med
September 2025
Yan'an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, Yan'an Medical School of Yan'an University, Yan'an 716000, China.
The occurrence and progression of liver cancer are closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria exhibit characteristics, such as decreased oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species in liver cancer and promoting tumor proliferation and drug resistance through the Warburg effect, as the core of energy metabolism and apoptosis regulation. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and dysregulation of mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) further enhance the invasive and metastatic capabilities of liver cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetabolomics
September 2025
Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France.
Introduction: The definition of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) does not take into account a preclinical phase during which the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is increased, prior to optic nerve atrophy, reducing the chances of visual recovery.
Objectives: Search for a metabolomic signature characterizing this preclinical phase and identify biomarkers predicting the risk of LHON onset.
Methods And Results: The blood and tear metabolomic profiles of 90 asymptomatic LHON mutation carriers followed for one year will be explored as a function of RNFL thickness and compared to those of a healthy control.