Mitochondrial targeted strategies and their application for cancer and other diseases treatment

Abstract

Background: Known as the main site of ATP production and intrinsic apoptosis regulator, mitochondria play vital roles in physiological functions and pathological progression. Evidences have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction correlated with a variety of diseases, especially with cancer. Mitochondria are emerged as an attractive target for diseases treatment. Area covered: This review introduces efficient mitochondrial targeting strategies, and summarizes application of multiple drug delivery systems targeted to mitochondria for antitumor treatment, including anti-drug resistance, anti-metastasis and immunotherapy. Furthermore, we discuss the application and perspectives of mitochondrial targeting in treatment of other mitochondrial-related diseases. Expert opinion: A number of chemotherapeutics exert their efficacy in specific sub-organelles. Targeting drugs to one certain organelle would exhibit their maximum therapeutic effects. The mitochondria in tumor cells are closely related to the development of tumor. Also, the main cause of clinical failure in antitumor treatment, including multidrug resistance (MDR) and metastasis, are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, mitochondria disorders also lead to some other diseases. Therefore, constructing mitochondrial targeted drug delivery systems to regulate mitochondrial functions is necessarily desired.