Mitochondrial Mutations Contribute to HIF1α Accumulation via Increased Reactive Oxygen Species and Up-regulated Pyruvate Dehydrogenease Kinase 2 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Our findings suggest that mitochondrial ND2 mutation contributes to HIF1alpha accumulation via increased ROS production, up-regulation of PDK2, attenuating PDH activity, thereby increasing pyruvate, resulting in HIF1alpha stabilization. This may provide insight into a potential mechanism, by which mitochondrial mutations contribute to HNSCC development.