Cuproptosis: Unveiling a New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

Overview

Journal Cell Commun Signal

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Biochemistry
Cell Biology

Date 2024 May 1

PMID 38693584

Authors

Ying Feng

Zhibo Yang

Jianpeng Wang

Hai Zhao

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Copper plays vital roles in numerous cellular processes and its imbalance can lead to oxidative stress and dysfunction. Recent research has unveiled a unique form of copper-induced cell death, termed cuproptosis, which differs from known cell death mechanisms. This process involves the interaction of copper with lipoylated tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, causing protein aggregation and cell death. Recently, a growing number of studies have explored the link between cuproptosis and cancer development. This review comprehensively examines the systemic and cellular metabolism of copper, including tumor-related signaling pathways influenced by copper. It delves into the discovery and mechanisms of cuproptosis and its connection to various cancers. Additionally, the review suggests potential cancer treatments using copper ionophores that induce cuproptosis, in combination with small molecule drugs, for precision therapy in specific cancer types.

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