Unveiling the powerhouse: ASCL1-driven small cell lung cancer is characterized by higher numbers of mitochondria and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with distinct molecular subtypes defined by transcription factors and inflammatory characteristics. This follow-up study aimed to validate the unique metabolic phenotype in achaete-scute homologue 1 (ASCL1)-driven SCLC cell lines and human tumor tissue.

Methods

Metabolic alterations were analyzed using proteomic data. Structural and functional differences of mitochondria were investigated using qPCR, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, and transmission electron microscopy and seahorse assays. Several metabolic inhibitors were tested using MTT-based and clonogenic assays. Single-cell enzyme activity assays were conducted on cell lines and tumor tissue samples of SCLC patients.

Results

We found increased

SUBMITTER: Solta A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11959836 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature