Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetic Control in Anticancer Therapy Responses

Background:Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the continuous remodeling of the mitochondrial network through the coordinated processes of fission and fusion. These processes regulate mitochondrial morphology, distribution, and functional adaptation to metabolic and stress signals. Fission, mainly mediated by DRP1 and its cofactors, promotes mitochondrial division, fragmentation, and segregation of damaged organelles. Whereas fusion, controlled mainly by MFN1/2 and OPA1, supports the formation of interconnected networks, content mixing, and maintenance of mitochondrial function. Together, fission and fusion dynamics preserve mitochondrial quality, bioenergetic flexibility, and cellular homeostasis.In cancer, mitochondrial dynamics are frequently reprogrammed, leading to persistent alterations in the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion. This dysregulated fission–fusion balance has emerged as an important contributor to therapy resistance across multiple cancer types. Cancer cells can shift mitochondrial dynamics toward either excessive fragmentation or hyperfusion, thereby gaining growth and survival advantages under therapeutic stress and reducing responsiveness to chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. These therapy-resistant states are largely mediated by changes in apoptotic sensitivity, metabolic plasticity, redox homeostasis, and stress-response signaling.Goal:This Research Topic focuses on how mitochondrial dynamics contribute to cancer therapy resistance and on emerging approaches that target the fission–fusion machinery and associated adaptive pathways to improve treatment efficacy.Scope:This Research Topic welcomes submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following areas:1. Mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics in cancer: Regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion machinery in regulating mitochondrial morphology, distribution, quality control, and stress adaptation in tumors.2. Mitochondrial dynamics and therapy resistance: The role of fission–fusion imbalance, including excessive mitochondrial fragmentation or hyperfusion, in conferring resistance to various therapeutic approaches. The major focus is on the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dynamics modulate cell survival pathways, cellular bioenergetics, and redox homeostasis to support therapy-resistant cancer states.3. Metabolic and signaling integration: Consequences of altered mitochondrial dynamics on cellular metabolism and signaling, with emphasis on major oncogenic pathways, DNA damage responses, and mitochondria–nucleus communication that support therapy-resistant cancer phenotypes.4. Therapeutic targeting and translation: Development of pharmacological strategies to modulate mitochondrial dynamics, discovery of dynamics-related biomarkers, and translational approaches that exploit the fission–fusion dynamics to overcome therapy resistance. Topic editors: Kirtikar Shukla, MOHIT JADLI Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81005/mitochondrial-dynamics-and-bioenergetic-control-in-anticancer-therapy-responses