Mitochondrial Genomic Alterations and Functional Dysregulation in Breast Cancer in Young Women

Breast cancer rates are rising in women under 40. We explored whether mitochondrial dysfunction, common in both cancer and aging, links external risk factors, mammary gland health, and cancer development. Our study identified nine mitochondrial genes upregulated in tumors from these women and eleven genes increased in both <40 and >40 groups, often co-overexpressed. Nine of these genes disrupt mitochondrial pathways vital for energy, cellular balance, redox, and biosynthesis. We also identified potential testable, translatable possibilities and targets in mitochondrial transporters, metabolic enzymes, and redox regulators, helping to develop strategies to target specific metabolic pathways in young women’s breast cancer and/or to use biomarkers for these pathways.