Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Play a Key Role in Cancer Growth and Therapy Resistance

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in cancer growth and therapy resistance. By combining computational tools and DNA sequencing technologies, the team was able to examine mtDNA mutations in cancer cells and pinpoint when these mutations occur, how they change as cancer develops, and whether they affect how cancer cells behave. The results of this study were published in Science Advances and have significant implications for our understanding of cancer biology and the development of new cancer therapies.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that mtDNA mutations are not random passengers in cancer, but rather can influence both how leukemia starts and how it progresses.
• The researchers developed a novel multidimensional approach to investigate mtDNA, which allowed them to tell apart harmless 'passenger' mutations from those that may help cancer grow.
• The study found evidence that mtDNA may contribute to therapy resistance, particularly in the case of glucocorticoids, a common therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
• The researchers discovered a mtDNA mutation linked to changes in pathways associated with resistance to glucocorticoids, making leukemia cells more likely to resist treatment.
• The study had 43 authors, including researchers from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Northeastern University, Stanford University, and Rhodes College.
• The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC).

Statistics:

• 43 authors contributed to the study.
• 60% of childhood cancer survival rate has improved since St. Jude Hospital opened 60 years ago.
• 80% of childhood cancer survival rate is attributed to treatments developed at St. Jude.
• 20% of childhood cancer survival rate existed before St. Jude was established.

Sources:

• Ratner, NewsRx LLC, Pediatrics Week, Sept 27, 2025
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Media Relations Contact, Chelsea Bryant
• Science Advances, publication date not specified.