Cuproptosis: emerging biomarkers and potential therapeutics in cancers

Abstract

The sustenance of human life activities depends on copper, which also serves as a crucial factor for vital enzymes. Under typical circumstances, active homeostatic mechanisms keep the intracellular copper ion concentration low. Excess copper ions cause excessive cellular respiration, which causes cytotoxicity and cell death as levels steadily rise above a threshold. It is a novel cell death that depends on mitochondrial respiration, copper ions, and regulation. Cuproptosis is now understood to play a role in several pathogenic processes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Copper death is a type of regulatory cell death(RCD).Numerous diseases are correlated with the development of copper homeostasis imbalances. One of the most popular areas of study in the field of cancer is cuproptosis. It has been discovered that cancer angiogenesis, proliferation, growth, and metastasis are all correlated with accumulation of copper ions. Copper ion concentrations can serve as a crucial marker for cancer development. In order to serve as a reference for clinical research on the product, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, this paper covers the function of copper ion homeostasis imbalance in malignant cancers and related molecular pathways.

Cuproptosis-related ceRNA axis triggers cell proliferation and cell cycle through CBX2 in lung adenocarcinoma

“…These studies have revealed the significant role of cuproptosis-related genes in signaling pathways associated with tumorigenesis [ 23 ]. For treating early lung cancer, cuproptosis could potentially be a valuable therapeutic approach [ 39 ]. Research into the role of cuproptosis in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer has focused on understanding the mechanisms of this form of cell death and developing prognostic models based on cuproptosis-related biomarkers [ 40 ].…”

Assessment of the Impact of Trace Essential Metals on Cancer Development

“…This process promotes tumour growth [32]. Furthermore, the amassment of this ion has been found to correlate with cancer angiogenesis [27]. It is showed that copper exhibits precise spatial regulation, moving from perinuclear regions of the cell towards the ends of extending filopodia and traversing the cell membrane into the extracellular space during angiogenic processes [36].…”

“…It engages in various biological processes, such as lipid metabolism, energy regulation, and the synthesis of neurotransmi ers [26]. In normal conditions, effective homeostatic mechanisms maintain a low concentration of intracellular copper ions [27]. However, an imbalance in cellular metal ion levels, whether in excess or deficiency, can be equally detrimental, as it may lead to an intensified rise in oxidative stress in both scenarios [28].…”

“…However, an imbalance in cellular metal ion levels, whether in excess or deficiency, can be equally detrimental, as it may lead to an intensified rise in oxidative stress in both scenarios [28]. An abundance of copper ions induces heightened cellular respiration, leading to cytotoxic effects and eventual cell death as the levels progressively surpass a critical threshold [27]. Copper plays a substantial role in altering the function of specific types of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms and other enzymes, including ceruloplasmin (CP).…”

“…Disruption in the regulation of copper levels is also believed to play a role in the process of carcinogenesis [30]. The concentrations of copper ions can function as a vital indicator of cancer progression [27]. Irregular accumulation of copper is noticeable in various malignant tumours, and a connection has been identified between increased copper levels in both serum and tissues and the development of multiple types of cancers [31].…”