BNIP3L/BNIP3-Mediated Mitophagy Contributes to the Maintenance of Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT: Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, with tumour recurrence and chemoresistance posing significant therapeutic challenges. Emerging evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a rare subpopulation within tumours with self-renewal and differentiation capacities, contribute to these hurdles. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms that sustain CSCs is critical for improving treatment strategies. Mitophagy, a selective process for eliminating damaged mitochondria, plays a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, including CSC survival. Our study demonstrates that ovarian CSCs exhibit enhanced mitophagy, accompanied by elevated expression of the mitochondrial outer membrane receptors BNIP3 and BNIP3L. Knockdown of BNIP3 or BNIP3L significantly reduces mitop

SUBMITTER: Li N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12516242 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature