The Effect of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Brain Tumors

Abstract

Purpose: Brain tumors are a group of diseases in which different genotypes result in different phenotypes at the molecular level. Althoughthere have been a number of studies related to the role of alterations in nuclear genes, such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, in thedevelopment of brain tumors, the effects of mitochondrial genes on tumorigenesis have not been well elucidated.Methods: It is thought that mitochondrial DNA plays an important role in the tumorogenesis process due to the fact that it is more susceptibleto mutations than the nuclear DNA and the repair mechanisms are weaker. Mitochondrial DNA mutations have been extensively studied fortheir use as biomarkers since they can reach high copy number in clonal characterization.Results: MtDNA mutations play an important role in cancer developmental stages, but the mechanisms of cancer development and progressionof these mutations are not fully explained.Conclusion: The identification of mitochondrial DNA defects is anticipated earlier in the diagnosis of brain tumors, and more effectivetreatment protocols will be regulated.