A new study has found a link between mitochondrial DNA and how severe cancer becomes. The research was published in The FEBS Journal and reported on October 7.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur studied the amount of mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA, inside cancer cells. Mitochondria are the parts of cells that produce energy. They carry their own small set of DNA.

The team found that mtDNA copy number was linked to the number of genetic mutations in cancer cells. A higher copy number was tied to genes that support tumour growth and survival. It was also linked to genes involved in how tumours respond to chemotherapy.

The work suggests that changes in mtDNA may be the cancer cell’s way of compensating for damaged mitochondria. “Our results reveal a close association of mtDNA copy number with cancer progression and therapy response,” said corresponding author Riddhiman Dhar.

The authors say the findings could guide deeper study of mitochondria in cancer and lead to new treatment strategies. The study shows a correlation, not proof that mtDNA causes cancer to worsen.