X-Message-Number: 25604
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:37:20 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: link between mitochondria and cancer

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Dec 24;325(4):1399-405
Cellular aging of mitochondrial DNA-depleted cells.
  We have reported that mitochondrial DNA-depleted rho(0) cells are
resistant to cell death. Because aged cells have frequent mitochondrial
DNA mutations, the resistance of rho(0) cells against cell death might be
related to the apoptosis resistance of aged cells and frequent
development of cancers in aged individuals. We studied if rho(0) cells
have features simulating aged cells. SK-Hep1 hepatoma rho(0) cells showed
typical morphology associated with aging such as increased size and
elongated appearance. They had increased senescence-associated beta-Gal
activity, lipofuscin pigment, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
expression. Consistent with their decreased proliferation, the expression
of mitotic cyclins was decreased and that of cdk inhibitors was
increased. Rb hypophosphorylation and decreased telomerase activity were
also noted. Features simulating aged cells were also observed in
MDA-MB-435 rho(0) cells. These results support the mitochondrial theory
of aging, and suggest that rho(0) cells could serve as an in vitro model
for aged cells.

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