Mitochondrial Dynamics in Ovarian Cancer: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Implications

Background: Ovarian cancer is often characterized by aggressive growth and chemoresistance, leading to a poor prognosis. The energy and nutrient acquisition through metabolic reprogramming has been reported to facilitate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, a therapeutic strategy to consider is to rewire energy metabolism. Mitochondrial dynamics have a profound impact on the metabolic profiles. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial dynamics and their impact on cell proliferation and invasion and discuss future perspectives for therapeutic strategies and research directions. Methods: A search was conducted for literature published up to 30 June 2023 using the online databases PubMed and Google Scholar in this narrative literature review. Results: Mitochondria are essential for regulating metabolic reprogramming to meet the increasing energy demand for rapid cancer cell proliferation and invasion. A metabolic switch from OXPHOS to glycolysis may promote invasion, and OXPHOS-driven metabolism may be associated with proliferation, chemoresistance, and stemness. Many ovarian cancer cells are known to favor glycolysis over OXPHOS, but the opposite takes place in the subpopulation of cancer cells. The preference for glycolysis versus OXPHOS in ovarian cancer cells may be determined by histopathologic types, the unique genetic profile of energy metabolism, and intrinsic (e.g., oncogenic signaling) and extrinsic (e.g., nutritional status and hypoxia) factors. Conclusions: Preclinical studies suggest that mitochondrial dynamics regulators have therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer, but some factors limit their beneficial effects.