Research studies have shown that cancer cells are extremely dependent on functional mitochondria, especially in the hypoxic area where cancer cells are relatively inactive (quiescent cell population). Cancer cells are dependent on functional mitochondria not only for energy production but also for anabolic reactions to provide the building blocks that are required and essential for cancer cell growth and proliferation, and also for crosstalk with other organelles to modulate the metabolism within the cancer cells. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial function has been considered a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer cells, especially the quiescent cell population, and many prospective findings and novel mitochondrial inhibitors have been reported. However, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial regulation of tumor cells are still not fully understood and novel mitochondrial inhibitors with a good profile of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/Tox) are still urgently required, especially for the population of quiescent cancer cells.

This Special Issue aims to collect original research and review articles relating to current studies on mitochondrial function and strategies for cancer treatment involving targeting mitochondria. Researchers and clinicians are invited to submit articles relating to basic, translational, or clinical research investigating the metabolism, regulation, and crosstalk of mitochondria in cancer cells or novel/repositioning drugs by targeting mitochondria in both proliferate and quiescent cancer cell populations. The submission of new methodologies to visualize dysfunctional mitochondria using new staining and analysis methods is also welcomed.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Alterations of mitochondrial biosynthesis and energy metabolism
• Alterations of DNA (mtDNA), mRNA, or proteins, relating to mitochondria in cancer cells
• Regulations of mitochondria relating to microRNA in cancer cells
• The crosstalk of mitochondria with other organelles in cancer cells
• Mitophagy in cancer cells
• The control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells
• The role of mitochondria in apoptosis in cancer cells
• Mitochondrial function in cancerous stem cells
• Novel/repositioning drugs targeting mitochondria of cancer cells
• Strategies of cancer therapies by targeting mitochondrial function in cancer cells