Mitochondrial thermogenesis in cancer cells

Organisms, following the laws of thermodynamics, require a constant supply of energy to maintain their daily activities. Catabolism, a controlled degradation process, not only releases Gibbs free energy and regenerates ATP but also dissipates excess energy as heat. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms governing heat production within cells remain elusive, and intracellular temperature remains a topic of inquiry. Numerous efforts have been made to develop thermosensors such as quantum dot-based nanoparticles, gold nanoclusters, and thermoresponsive probes, significantly advancing our ability to study intracellular temperature. Mitochondria, significant energy providers in the form of ATP, are strongly implicated in thermogenesis. In addition to energy production, mitochondria are pivotal in various signaling pathways, including calcium homeostasis, cellular redox state, and apoptosis. Simultaneously, they are central to various pathogenic processes, including cancer development. This dual role underscores the potential involvement of mitochondria in thermogenesis across cancer cells. Understanding this intersection is critical, as unraveling the mechanisms of mitochondrial thermogenesis in cancer cells may pave the way for innovative, targeted cancer therapies.