Today, the cure of oncological patients encounters significant obstacles due to the development of chemoresistance, which, along with metastatic behavior, is thought to require extensive reprogramming of mitochondrial activity. The balance of fission and fusion, along with the regulation of trafficking and autophagic removal, dictates mitochondrial morphology and function, and this may have a deep impact on redox homeostasis and antioxidant defense of cancer cells, as well as on their apoptotic response to oxidative stress-generating and DNA-damaging anticancer drugs.

Evidence shows that natural molecules, such as curcumin and sulforaphane, modulate the response of cancer cells to anticancer therapies. However, limited reports exist with regard to the role of mitochondrial reprogramming in such a phenomenon. Therefore, molecular events activated in cancer cells by chemosensitizers need to be studied with regard to the possible participation of the main regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and function.

Such studies may lead to diet-based approaches aimed at repressing adaptive responses of mitochondria following chemotherapy, thus contributing to an increase in the efficacy of anticancer strategies.

On this basis, we invite researchers to submit original research and review articles focused on chemical strategies aimed at controlling the activity of antioxidant systems, as well as preventing the acquisition of chemoresistance in cancer cells, through morphofunctional reshaping of mitochondria and/or by modifying mitochondrial-regulated redox homeostasis. Studies reporting innovative techniques to visualize or analyze mitochondrial dynamics, cellular redox status, and reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) dependent cell damage are highly appreciated as well.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Studies on the effects of bioactive compounds on redox homeostasis, mitochondrial activity, and function of cancer cells, with possible consequences on malignant behavior
• Investigations on the effects of synthetic or natural compounds on mitochondrial dynamics in neoplastic tissues or cancer cells, with particular focus on processes controlling mitochondrial fusion, fission, and autophagic removal
• Studies with synthetic or natural compounds used to limit or prevent the neoplastic progression through the modulation of redox homeostasis, mitochondrial function, or activity, with particular focus on changes in the ROS-modulated metabolic rewiring and mitochondrial reshaping
• Innovative imaging techniques to analyze mitochondria dynamics, metabolism, energy, and redox state in normal and cancer cells
• Studies comparing neoplastic tissues or cancer cells of similar origin but with different aggressiveness, focusing on the redox-modulated pathways controlling mitochondrial function and dynamics