Lithium Iron Phosphate Promotes Tumor Cell Growth by Shaping Mitochondrial Function

Overview

Water pollution is a critical threat to human health as it can lead to increased cancer risk. More than 22 carcinogens can be found in the drinking water, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. As the use of lithium-ion batteries is dramatically increasing, it is essential to identify its uncertain potential health hazard. This study investigated the tumorigenesis potential of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), widely used in electric vehicle batteries. An MTT proliferation assay was used to test the influence of LiFePO 4 on the growth of cells involving the colon, breast, lung, and brain, four common cancers. The Seahorse Assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to identify the impact of LiFePO 4 on mitochondria -relative cell energic metabolism and mitochondrial ultrastructure, respectively. The results suggested that LiFePO 4 enhances human MDA-MB-231 and mouse 4T1 breast cancer cell growth but doesn’t affect colon or brain cancer cell proliferation. Although a high concentration of LiFePO4 induces mouse TC1 lung cancer cells, no evidence suggests that LiFePO4 impacts human A549 lung cancer cells. The Seahorse Assay indicated that LiFePO 4 represses oxygen consumption -related respiration in mitochondria of breast MDA-MB-231 cells while promoting glycolytic activity in cells. The TEM images suggested that the increase in mitochondria in LiFePO 4-treated breast cancer cells could be attributed to mitochondrial fission. Together, these findings reveal the potential of LiFePO 4 in promoting breast cancer cell g rowth and provide insight into mechanisms underlying the LiFePO 4-induced breast cancer cell growth by programming the cell energic metabolism.

Competition history

JSHS 2024 Category not listed

Resources

National JSHS abstract book

Related projects

ISEF · 2024