Targets and strategies for the mitochondrial assault on cancer

Abstract

Mitochondria-directed anti-cancer agents (mitocans) represent a novel approach to cancer therapy. To optimize their effectiveness researchers need to identify appropriate targets and mechanisms of action, and to adopt a molecular design and/or delivery strategy ensuring that the drugs act at the mitochondrial level. Here we review: (i) the major options available for mitochondrial targeting: so far most studies have taken advantage of the high mitochondrial transmembrane potential; (ii) one set of possible targets: membrane channels exploited as transducers of a death signal; (iii) the induction of redox stress at mitochondria as a promising approach to cancerous cell destruction.