Copper(II) and iron(III) complexes of chiral dehydroabietic acid derived from natural rosin: metal effect on structure and cytotoxicity

Iron and copper: critical executioners of ferroptosis, cuproptosis and other forms of cell death

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a regulable cell death that involves well-organized signaling cascades and molecular mechanisms. RCD is implicated in fundamental processes such as organ production and tissue remodeling, removing superfluous structures or cells, and regulating cell numbers. Previous studies have not been able to reveal the complete mechanisms, and novel methods of RCD are constantly being proposed. Two metal ions, iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are essential factors leading to RCDs that not only induce ferroptosis and cuproptosis, respectively but also lead to cell impairment and eventually diverse cell death. This review summarizes the direct and indirect mechanisms by which Fe and Cu impede cell growth and the various forms of RCD mediated by these two metals. Moreover, we aimed to delineate the interrelationships between these RCDs with the distinct pathways of ferroptosis and cuproptosis, shedding light on the complex and intricate mechanisms that govern cellular survival and death. Finally, the prospects outlined in this review suggest a novel approach for investigating cell death, which may involve integrating current therapeutic strategies and offer a promising solution to overcome drug resistance in certain diseases. Video Abstract.

Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis Genes and Identification of Cuproptosis Subtypes in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Copper-induced death (cuproptosis) is copper-dependent regulated cell death, which is different from known death mechanisms and is dependent on mitochondrial respiration. However, its effect on breast cancer (BRCA) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the important clinical significance of cuproptosis genes and to provide a new idea for guiding the personalized immunotherapy strategy of BRCA patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected cuproptosis genes from published work. The gene alteration, differential expression, and prognostic value of cuproptosis genes were explored in BRCA based on TCGA database. We identified two subtypes (clusters A and B) by performing unsupervised clustering. The difference between two clusters was deeply explored, including clinical features, differential expressed genes (DEGs), pathways, and immune cell infiltration. Based on the DEGs between two clusters, a cuproptosis score was constructed and its predictive capability for overall survival of BRCA patients was validated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Patients with high cuproptosis score have worse survival status, with an increased infiltration level of most immune cells. Further analysis suggested that BRCA patients with high cuproptosis score may be sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings may improve our understanding of cuproptosis in BRCA and may distinguish patients suitable for ICI treatment.