Mitochondria, traditionally recognized for their role in energy production, are now being shown to influence cancer metastasis through their metabolic environment, with mitochondrial glutathione playing a central role.

Recent research highlights mitochondrial glutathione as a crucial factor in breast cancer metastasis, especially noting its elevated levels in metastatic cells invading the lung.

The study suggests that inhibiting SLC25A39, a transporter and sensor of glutathione, could serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent metastasis, as high expression of SLC25A39 correlates with poorer patient survival.

This research builds on previous work by the same team, which identified SLC25A39 as a glutathione transporter and sensor, providing a foundation for exploring its role in cancer progression.