Mitochondrial fission protein 1 in the regulation of mitochondrial quality control: A cancer perspective

Abstract Mitochondrial quality control (MQC), a key cellular mechanism for maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function, contributes to cellular homeostasis. Mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1) is located on the outer mitochondrial membrane and is closely related to MQC. FIS1 represents a critical regulatory factor in mitochondrial biogenesis, fission, fusion, and mitophagy, participates in cellular energy metabolism, and is closely associated with tumor progression in maintaining intracellular homeostasis and signal transduction. Expression levels of FIS1 differ significantly between various tumor types; its overexpression is closely related to enhanced proliferation and invasiveness of tumor cells, and its downregulation may lead to tumor cell apoptosis. While the potential role of FIS1 in cancer has been reported, gaps in knowledge regarding functional changes in different tumor microenvironments and its regulatory mechanisms remain. This review focuses on current perspectives regarding the mechanisms by which FIS1 participates in MQC, its impact on tumors, and its role in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Further research on specific mechanisms of FIS1 in tumor progression and its interactions with other signaling pathways is required to provide new targets and strategies for cancer diagnosis and treatment.