HKDC1 reprograms lipid metabolism to enhance gastric cancer metastasis and cisplatin resistance via forming a ribonucleoprotein complex

LncRNA FIRRE drives gastric cancer progression via ZFP64-mediated TUBB3 promoter activation

Gastric cancer is a common global malignancy that requires detailed study of its development mechanisms. Although LncRNA FIRRE is known to play a crucial role in the progression and treatment resistance of several cancers, its effect on gastric cancer is not well understood. This study confirms the impact of FIRRE on the malignant behavior of gastric cancer. Using RNA-sequencing, dual luciferase reporter assay, RIP and CHIP, we identified transcription factors and target genes linked to FIRRE. Elevated FIRRE expression in gastric cancer correlates with worse patient prognosis and promotes gastric cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. FIRRE regulates the TUBB3 gene, facilitating gastric cancer progression by activating the TUBB3 promoter in vitro. ZFP64 is the transcription factor for TUBB3, activating its promoter and binding specifically with FIRRE. Reducing ZFP64 disrupts FIRRE's positive regulation of TUBB3 in vitro and in vivo. This study shows FIRRE promotes gastric cancer progression by binding to ZFP64 and activating the TUBB3 promoter.

PPDPF promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by blocking PCCA binding to PCCB and inhibiting methionine catabolism

While metabolic reprogramming and remodeling of tumor microenvironment play important roles in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found that pancreatic progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation factor (PPDPF) is upregulated in ESCC and its expression level is associated with lymph node metastasis. PPDPF was found to promote tumorigenesis, lymph node metastasis and distal metastasis of ESCC cells. Furthermore, the results of mass spectrometry analysis revealed that PPDPF interacts with PCCA, the subunit of the PCC, a key enzyme involved in the catabolism of methionine by the C-Vomit pathway. In addition, PPDPF increases methionine and SAM levels. Additionally, knockdown of PPDPF decreases the levels of methionine and SAM in vivo, and promotes the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in ESCC. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that PPDPF inhibits the interaction between PCCA and PCCB to downregulate methionine catabolism via the C-Vomit pathway, providing a new target for the treatment of ESCC.

Mechano-induced arachidonic acid metabolism promotes keratinocyte proliferation through cPLA2 activity regulation

Mechano-induced keratinocyte hyperproliferation is reported to be associated with various skin diseases. Enhanced cell proliferation often requires the active metabolism of nutrients to produce energy. However, how keratinocytes adapt their cellular metabolism homeostasis to mechanical cues remains unclear. Here, we first found that mechanical stretched keratinocytes showed the accumulation of metabolic arachidonic acid by metabolomic analysis. Second, we found that mechanical stretch promoted keratinocyte proliferation through the activation of cytosolic calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Knockdown or inhibition of cPLA2 could reduce the release of arachidonic acid and inhibit the proliferation of stretched keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. Third, by analyzing overlapping transcriptomes of stretched keratinocytes and arachidonic acid-stimulated keratinocytes, we identified the upregulation of hexokinase domain-containing protein 1 (HKDC1) expression, a novel gene involved in glucose metabolism, which was associated with arachidonic acid-induced keratinocyte proliferation during stretching. Our data reveal a metabolic regulation mechanism by which mechanical stretch induces keratinocyte proliferation, thereby coupling cellular metabolism to the mechanics of the cellular microenvironment. Strategies to change the metabolism process may lead to a new way to treat skin diseases that are related to biophysical forces.

HKDC1 promotes autophagy and proliferation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma through interaction with PARP1 and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation

BACKGROUND

HKDC1 has been shown to play an important role in promoting malignant progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), but the exact mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the function of HKDC1 in autophagy activation and cell proliferation.

METHODS

By GSEA analysis of TCGA data of PAAD, we found that HKDC1 was closely associated with autophagy. We evaluated the effects of HKDC1 knockdown and overexpression on the expression of LC3B, an autophagy marker, and Cyclin D1 and PCNA, cell proliferation-associated proteins, by Western blotting (WB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis.

RESULTS

Knockdown of HKDC1 decreased LC3B expression and led to a decrease in the accumulation of autophagic vesicles and autophagic lysosomes, while overexpression of HKDC1 produced the opposite effect. Meanwhile, HKDC1 overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation of PAAD cells and increased the expression levels of Cyclin D1 and PCNA. Further studies showed that HKDC1 enhanced PARP1's own poly ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) activity by interacting with PARP1, which in turn promoted autophagy. In vivo experiments showed that knockdown of HKDC1 significantly inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in nude mice in vivo, reduced tumor volume and weight, and down-regulated the expression of PARP1, LC3, Cyclin D1 and PCNA.

CONCLUSION

HKDC1 plays a critical role in the malignant progression of PAAD by activating autophagy and promoting cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that targeting HKDC1 and its downstream signaling pathways may provide novel strategies for PAAD treatment.

Application of stress granule core element G3BP1 in various diseases: A review

Ras-GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is a core component and crucial regulatory switch in stress granules (SGs). When the concentration of free RNA within cells increases, it can trigger RNA-dependent liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with G3BP1 as the core, thereby forming SGs that affect cell survival or death. In addition, G3BP1 interacts with various host proteins to regulate the expression of SGs. As a multifunctional binding protein, G3BP1 has diverse biological functions, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and RNA metabolism and serving as a crucial regulator in signaling pathways such as Rac1-PAK1, TSC-mTORC1, NF-κB, and STAT3. Therefore, it plays a significant role in the regulation of neurodegenerative diseases, myocardial hypertrophy, and congenital immunity, and is involved in the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. G3BP1 is an important antiviral factor that interacts with viral proteins, and regulates SG assembly to exert antiviral effects. This article focuses on the recent discoveries and progress of G3BP1 in biology, including its structure and function, regulation of SG formation and dissolution, and its relationships with non-neoplastic diseases, tumors, and viruses.

HKDC1 functions as a glucose sensor and promotes metabolic adaptation and cancer growth via interaction with PHB2

Glucose sensing and metabolic adaptation to glucose availability in the tumor microenvironment are critical for cancer development. Here we show that HKDC1, a hexokinase highly expressed in cancer associated with poor prognosis, functions as a glucose sensor that alters its stability in response to environmental glucose. The glucose-sensing domain is located between amino acids 751-917, with Ser896 as a key residue that regulates HKDC1 stability by affecting Lys620 ubiquitination. This sensing mechanism enables cellular adaptation to glucose starvation by promoting mitochondrial fatty acid utilization. Furthermore, HKDC1 promotes tumor growth by sequestering prohibitin 2 (PHB2) to disable its suppressive effect on SP1, thus promoting the expression of pro-oncogenic molecules. Abrogation of HKDC1 by genetic knockout or by glucose depletion releases PHB2, leading to suppression of cancer cell proliferation and inhibition of tumor growth. Our study reveals a previously unrecognized role of HKDC1 in glucose sensing and metabolic adaptation, and identifies HKDC1 as a potential therapeutic target.

Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric cancer progression by activating the TGF-β/Smad2/EMT pathway through HKDC1

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is widely acknowledged as the primary risk factor for gastric cancer, facilitating its progression via the Correa cascade. Concurrently, Hexokinase Domain Containing 1 (HKDC1) has been implicated in the mediation of aerobic glycolysis, contributing to tumorigenesis across various cancers. However, the precise role of HKDC1 in the inflammatory transformation associated with H. pylori-induced gastric cancer remains elusive. In this study, transcriptome sequencing revealed a significant correlation between HKDC1 and H. pylori-induced gastric cancer. Subsequent validation using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis confirmed elevated HKDC1 expression in both human and murine gastritis and gastric tumors. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that H. pylori infection up-regulates TGF-β1 and p-Smad2, thereby activating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, with HKDC1 playing a pivotal role. Suppression of HKDC1 expression or pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β1 reversed EMT activation, consequently reducing gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. These results underscore HKDC1's essential contribution to H. pylori-induced gastric cancer progression via EMT activation.

BHLHE40-mediated transcriptional activation of GRIN2D in gastric cancer is involved in metabolic reprogramming

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. The reprogramming of energy metabolism represents a hallmark of cancer, particularly amplified dependence on aerobic glycolysis. Here, we aimed to illustrate the functional role of glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate type subunit 2D (GRIN2D) in the regulation of glycolysis in GC and the mechanisms involved. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed using the GEO and GEPIA databases, followed by prognostic value prediction using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. The effect of GRIN2D knockdown on the malignant behavior and glycolysis of GC cells was explored. GRIN2D expression was upregulated in GC cells and promoted the malignant behavior of GC cells by activating glycolysis. Class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 40 (BHLHE40) was overexpressed in GC cells and mediated transcriptional activation of GRIN2D. The anti-tumor effects of BHLHE40 knockdown on GC cells in vitro and in vivo were reversed by GRIN2D overexpression. Knockdown of GRIN2D or BHLHE40 downregulated the expression of mRNA of electron transport chain subunits and phosphorylation of p38 MARK and inhibited calcium efflux in GC cells. Overexpression of GRIN2D promoted calcium efflux, phosphorylation of p38 MARK protein, and proliferation of GES1 cells. Altogether, the findings derived from this study suggest that BHLHE40 knockdown suppresses the growth, mobility, and glycolysis of GC cells by inhibiting GRIN2D transcription and disrupting the BHLHE40/GRIN2D axis may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for GC.

CBX4 counteracts cellular senescence to desensitize gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy by inducing YAP1 SUMOylation

AIMS

As our comprehension of the intricate relationship between cellular senescence and tumor biology continues to evolve, the therapeutic potential of cellular senescence is gaining increasing recognition. Here, we identify chromobox 4 (CBX4), a Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase, as an antagonist of cellular senescence and elucidate a novel mechanism by which CBX4 promotes drug resistance and malignant progression of gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo models were conducted to investigate the manifestation and impact of CBX4 on cellular senescence and chemoresistance. High-throughput sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation techniques were utilized to identify the upstream regulators and downstream effectors associated with CBX4, revealing its intricate regulatory network.

RESULTS

CBX4 diminishes the sensitivity of GC cells to cellular senescence, facilitating chemoresistance and GC development by deactivating the senescence-related Hippo pathway. Mechanistically, low-dose cisplatin transcriptionally downregulates CBX4 through CEBPB. In addition, CBX4 preserves the stability and cytoplasm-nuclear transport of YAP1, the key player of Hippo pathway, by inducing SUMO1 modification at K97 and K280, which competitively inhibits YAP1-S127 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the anti-senescence role of CBX4 and suggests that CBX4 inhibition in combination with low-dose cisplatin has the potential to overcome chemoresistance and effectively restrict GC progression.

The deubiquitinase USP15 drives malignant progression of gastric cancer through glucose metabolism remodeling

BACKGROUND

Ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15) exhibits amplifications in various tumors, including gastric cancer (GC), yet its biological function and mechanisms in GC progression remain elusive.

METHODS

Here, we established stable USP15 knockdown or overexpression GC cell lines and explored the potential mechanism of USP15 in GC. Besides, we also identified interacting targets of USP15.

RESULTS

USP15 knockdown significantly impeded cell proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and distal colonization in xenograft models, while enhancing oxaliplatin's antitumor effect. USP15 was involved in ubiquitination modification of glycolytic regulators. Silencing of USP15 suppressed glycolytic activity and impaired mitochondrial functions. Interference with USP15 expression reversed tumor progression and distal colonization in vivo. HKDC1 and IGF2BP3 were found as core interacting targets of USP15, and HKDC1 was identified as a substrate for ubiquitination modification by USP15, whereby USP15 regulated glucose metabolism activity by inhibiting the ubiquitination degradation of HKDC1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study unveiled aberrantly high expression of USP15 in GC tissues, correlating with malignant progression and nonresponse to neoadjuvant therapy. USP15 inhibitors, if developed, could be effective in promoting chemotherapy through glucose metabolism remodeling.

PTBP1 knockdown impairs autophagy flux and inhibits gastric cancer progression through TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignant tumor, and the RNA-binding protein polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) has been identified as a crucial factor in various tumor types. Moreover, abnormal autophagy levels have been shown to significantly impact tumorigenesis and progression. Despite this, the precise regulatory mechanism of PTBP1 in autophagy regulation in GC remains poorly understood.

METHODS

To assess the expression of PTBP1 in GC, we employed a comprehensive approach utilizing western blot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and bioinformatics analysis. To further identify the downstream target genes that bind to PTBP1 in GC cells, we utilized RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (si-PTBP1 RNA-seq). To evaluate the impact of PTBP1 on gastric carcinogenesis, we conducted CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, and GC xenograft mouse model assays. Additionally, we utilized a transmission electron microscope, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, western blot, RT-qPCR, and GC xenograft mouse model experiments to elucidate the specific mechanism underlying PTBP1's regulation of autophagy in GC.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that PTBP1 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Silencing PTBP1 resulted in abnormal accumulation of autophagosomes, thereby inhibiting GC cell viability both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, interference with PTBP1 promoted the stability of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) mRNA, leading to increased TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress. Consequently, this impaired lysosomal function, ultimately resulting in blockage of autophagic flux. Furthermore, our results suggested that interference with PTBP1 enhanced the antitumor effects of chloroquine, both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

PTBP1 knockdown impairs GC progression by directly binding to TXNIP mRNA and promoting its expression. Based on these results, PTBP1 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for GC.

Mechanism insights and therapeutic intervention of tumor metastasis: latest developments and perspectives

Metastasis remains a pivotal characteristic of cancer and is the primary contributor to cancer-associated mortality. Despite its significance, the mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully elucidated. Contemporary findings in the domain of cancer biology have shed light on the molecular aspects of this intricate process. Tumor cells undergoing invasion engage with other cellular entities and proteins en route to their destination. Insights into these engagements have enhanced our comprehension of the principles directing the movement and adaptability of metastatic cells. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells by enabling tumor cells to navigate through stromal barriers. Such attributes are influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes occurring in the tumor cells and their surrounding milieu. A profound understanding of the metastatic process's biological mechanisms is indispensable for devising efficacious therapeutic strategies. This review delves into recent developments concerning metastasis-associated genes, important signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, metabolic processes, peripheral immunity, and mechanical forces and cancer metastasis. In addition, we combine recent advances with a particular emphasis on the prospect of developing effective interventions including the most popular cancer immunotherapies and nanotechnology to combat metastasis. We have also identified the limitations of current research on tumor metastasis, encompassing drug resistance, restricted animal models, inadequate biomarkers and early detection methods, as well as heterogeneity among others. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will significantly contribute to the advancement of cancer metastasis research.

Analysis of metabolic characteristics of metabolic syndrome in elderly patients with gastric cancer by non-targeted metabolomics

BACKGROUND

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gastric cancer (GC), which is a common metabolic disease, has attracted much attention. However, the specific metabolic characteristics of MetS in elderly patients with GC remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the differentially abundant metabolites and metabolic pathways between preoperative frailty and MetS in elderly patients with GC based on nontargeted metabolomics techniques.

METHODS

In this study, 125 patients with nonfrail nonmeal GC were selected as the control group, and 50 patients with GC in the frail group were selected as the frail group. Sixty-five patients with GC combined with MetS alone were included in the MetS group, and 50 patients with GC combined with MetS were included in the MetS group. Nontargeted metabolomics techniques were used to measure plasma metabolite levels by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed by principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares, pattern recognition analysis, cluster analysis, and metabolic pathway annotation.

RESULTS

A total of 125 different metabolites, including amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, sugars, nucleosides and nucleotides, and acidic compounds, were identified via nontargeted metabolomics techniques. Compared with those in the control group, there were 41, 32, and 52 different metabolites in the MetS group, the debilitated group, and the combined group, respectively. Lipid metabolites were significantly increased in the MetS group. In the weak group, amino acids and most glycerol phospholipid metabolites decreased significantly, and fatty acids and sphingosine increased significantly. The combined group was characterized by significantly increased levels of nucleotide metabolites and acidic compounds. The alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the asthenic group, and the glycerol and phospholipid metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the combined group.

CONCLUSION

Elderly GC patients with simple frailty, simple combined MetS, and frailty combined with MetS have different metabolic characteristics, among which amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolite levels are significantly lower in frail elderly GC patients, and comprehensive supplementation of fat and protein should be considered. Many kinds of metabolites, such as amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, and acidic compounds, are abnormally abundant in patients with MetS combined with fthenia, which may be related to tumor-related metabolic disorders.

Analysis of metabolic characteristics of metabolic syndrome in elderly patients with gastric cancer by non-targeted metabolomics

BACKGROUND

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gastric cancer (GC), which is a common metabolic disease, has attracted much attention. However, the specific metabolic characteristics of MetS in elderly patients with GC remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the differentially abundant metabolites and metabolic pathways between preoperative frailty and MetS in elderly patients with GC based on nontargeted metabolomics techniques.

METHODS

In this study, 125 patients with nonfrail nonmeal GC were selected as the control group, and 50 patients with GC in the frail group were selected as the frail group. Sixty-five patients with GC combined with MetS alone were included in the MetS group, and 50 patients with GC combined with MetS were included in the MetS group. Nontargeted metabolomics techniques were used to measure plasma metabolite levels by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed by principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares, pattern recognition analysis, cluster analysis, and metabolic pathway annotation.

RESULTS

A total of 125 different metabolites, including amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, sugars, nucleosides and nucleotides, and acidic compounds, were identified via nontargeted metabolomics techniques. Compared with those in the control group, there were 41, 32, and 52 different metabolites in the MetS group, the debilitated group, and the combined group, respectively. Lipid metabolites were significantly increased in the MetS group. In the weak group, amino acids and most glycerol phospholipid metabolites decreased significantly, and fatty acids and sphingosine increased significantly. The combined group was characterized by significantly increased levels of nucleotide metabolites and acidic compounds. The alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the asthenic group, and the glycerol and phospholipid metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the combined group.

CONCLUSION

Elderly GC patients with simple frailty, simple combined MetS, and frailty combined with MetS have different metabolic characteristics, among which amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolite levels are significantly lower in frail elderly GC patients, and comprehensive supplementation of fat and protein should be considered. Many kinds of metabolites, such as amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, and acidic compounds, are abnormally abundant in patients with MetS combined with fthenia, which may be related to tumor-related metabolic disorders.

Targeting PRKDC activates the efficacy of antitumor immunity while sensitizing to chemotherapy and targeted therapy in liver hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) ranks among the malignancies with the highest mortality rates, primarily due to chemoresistance culminating in treatment failure. Despite its impact, predictive models addressing disease progression, tumor microenvironment, and drug sensitivity remain elusive for LIHC patients. Recognizing the significant influence of various programmed cell death (PCD) modes on tumor evolution, this study investigates PCD genes to elucidate their implications on the prognosis and immune landscape of LIHC.

METHODS

To develop the classification and model, we employed a total of 17 genes associated with PCD patterns. To collect data, we acquired gene expression profiles, somatic mutation information, copy number variation data, and corresponding clinical data from the TCGA database, specifically from LIHC patients. Moreover, we obtained spatial transcriptome data and additional bulk datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to conduct further analysis. Various experiments were conducted to validate the role of the PCD gene PRKDC in proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, cell cycle, therapeutic sensitivity, and antitumor immunity.

RESULTS

A novel LIHC classification based on these genes divided patients into two clusters, C1 and C2. The C2 cluster exhibited characteristics indicative of poor prognosis and an immune-activated microenvironment. This group showed greater response potential to immune checkpoint inhibitors, displaying higher levels of certain immune signatures and receptors. A programmed cell death index (PCDI) was constructed using 17 selected PCD genes. This index could effectively predict patient prognosis, with higher PCDI indicating poorer survival rates and a more pro-tumor microenvironment. Immune landscapes revealed varying interactions with PCDI, suggesting therapeutic targets and insights into treatment resistance. Moreover, experiments results suggested that PRKDC can augment the invasive nature and growth of malignant cells and it can serve as a potential target for therapy, offering hope for ameliorating the prognosis of LIHC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The study uncovers the insights of programmed cell death in the prognosis and potential therapeutic interventions. And we found that PRKDC can serve as a target for enhancing the efficacy of antitumor immunity while sensitizing chemotherapy and targeted therapy in liver hepatocellular carcinoma.

The stromal microenvironment endows pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with spatially specific invasive and metastatic phenotypes

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, the role of tumor stroma in nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) is often neglected. Profiling the heterogeneity of CAFs can reveal the causes of malignant phenotypes in NF-PanNETs. Here, we found that patients with high stromal proportion had poor prognosis, especially for that with infiltrating stroma (stroma and tumor cells that presented an infiltrative growth pattern and no regular boundary). In addition, myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), characterized by FAP+ and α-SMAhigh, were spatially closer to tumor cells and promoted the EMT and tumor growth. Intriguingly, only tumor cells which were spatially closer to myCAFs underwent EMT. We further elucidated that myCAFs stimulate TGF-β expression in nearby tumor cells. Then, TGF-β promoted the EMT in adjacent tumor cells and promoted the expression of myCAFs marker genes in tumor cells, resulting in distant metastasis. Our results indicate that myCAFs cause spatial heterogeneity of EMT, which accounts for liver metastasis of NF-PanNETs. The findings of this study might provide possible targets for the prevention of liver metastasis.

The effect of lipid metabolism on cuproptosis-inducing cancer therapy

Cuproptosis provides a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and is thought to have broad clinical application prospects. Nevertheless, some oncological clinical trials have yet to demonstrate favorable outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying cuproptosis in tumors. Cuproptosis primarily hinges on the intracellular accumulation of copper, with lipid metabolism exerting a profound influence on its course. The interaction between copper metabolism and lipid metabolism is closely related to cuproptosis. Copper imbalance can affect mitochondrial respiration and lipid metabolism changes, while lipid accumulation can promote copper uptake and absorption, and inhibit cuproptosis induced by copper. Anomalies in lipid metabolism can disrupt copper homeostasis within cells, potentially triggering cuproptosis. The interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism regulates the occurrence, development, metastasis, chemotherapy drug resistance, and tumor immunity of cancer. Cuproptosis is a promising new target for cancer treatment. However, the influence of lipid metabolism and other factors should be taken into consideration. This review provides a brief overview of the characteristics of the interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism in cancer and analyses potential strategies of applying cuproptosis for cancer treatment.