New biomarker can track mitochondrial activity in lung tumors

Researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have identified a new biomarker using a noninvasive imaging method that tracks mitochondrial activity in lung tumors. The level of activity could potentially predict which individuals with lung cancer will respond favorably to a complex I inhibitor that targets mitochondrial function and who may be resistant to current therapies. Prior to this study, there has not been a noninvasive way to track mitochondrial activity in lung tumors.

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of cells, play a crucial role in sustaining the growth and survival of cancer cells. However, there has not been an effective method to get clear images of mitochondria activity in animals without killing the organism. The challenge for scientist has been to find a noninvasive way to capture an image of the mitochondria in a live organism to better understand how lung tumors may be utilizing the mitochondria to advance their growth.

METHOD

The team used a voltage-sensitive positron emission tomography (PET) probe, known as 18F-BnTP, to detect mitochondria activity in mouse models of lung cancer. Mice bearing lung tumors were injected with the tracer and lung tumors were scanned using PET imaging. After imaging, the tumors were then surgically removed so the function and activity of the mitochondria could be analyzed.

IMPACT

The findings could help scientists better understand mitochondrial activity in live tumors and shows the level of activity plays a key role in determining if a person's tumor would respond to a complex I inhibitor, potentially guiding treatment decisions for people with lung cancer. The study also demonstrates that PET imaging can successfully be used as a noninvasive method to read mitochondrial activity in lung tumors.