BUFFALO, NY — August 24, 2026 — A new research paper was published in Volume 18 of Aging on August 8, 2026, titled “Investigating POLG-driven modulation of cancer stemness: a pilot study in breast cancer cells.”
The study was led by first author Chiara Chinigò from the Italian National Research Center on Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Cosenza, Italy. Corresponding authors Federica Sotgia and Michael P. Lisanti are affiliated with the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and Lunella Biotech in Ottawa, Canada, with Lisanti additionally affiliated with the Institute of Mental Health Research at the University of Ottawa and The Royal Ottawa Hospital, and Université Laval in Québec.
Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation capabilities that are associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. These cells rely heavily on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism, making mitochondrial function a potential metabolic vulnerability. The researchers focused on mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (POLG), the enzyme responsible for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and repair. POLG contains a catalytic subunit encoded by POLG1 and an accessory subunit encoded by POLG2.
Using estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the researchers genetically silenced POLG1 and POLG2 to determine whether disrupting mtDNA maintenance would affect cancer stemness. POLG1 knockdown reduced mtDNA content by approximately 80%, while POLG2 knockdown produced an approximately 70% reduction. Both interventions impaired mitochondrial function, lowering the mtDNA-encoded respiratory-chain protein MTCO2, mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ATP production.
Full press release - https://www.aging-us.com/news-room/targeting-polg-reduces-breast-cancer-stemness-through-mitochondrial-dysfunction
DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206406
Corresponding authors - Federica Sotgia - fsotgia@gmail.com (ORCiD: 0000-0003-2826-4529), Michael P. Lisanti - michaelp.lisanti@gmail.com (ORCiD: 0000-0003-2034-1382)
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Keywords - aging, breast cancer, cancer stem cells, cancer metabolism, POLG, mitochondrial DNA
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