1
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Focaccio A, Rossi L, De Luca A. A spotlight on the role of copper in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Life Sci 2024; 354:122972. [PMID: 39142503 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The complex process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in several biological settings, encompassing embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. In recent years, a bulk of research has brought to light the key role of copper, a trace element with essential functions in cellular metabolism, cancer initiation and progression. Indeed, copper, besides functioning as cofactor of enzymes required for essential cellular processes, such as energy production and oxidation reactions, has emerged as an allosteric regulator of kinases whose activity is required to fulfill cancer dissemination through the EMT. In this comprehensive review, we try to describe the intricate relationship between the transition metal copper and EMT, spanning from the earliest foundational studies to the latest advancements. Our aim is to shed light on the multifaceted roles undertaken by copper in EMT in cancer and to unveil the diverse mechanisms by which copper homeostasis exerts its influence over EMT regulators, signaling pathways, cell metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors ultimately contributing to the spread of cancer. Therefore, this review not only may contribute to a deeper comprehension of copper-mediated mechanisms in EMT but also supports the hypothesis that targeting copper may contribute to counteract the progression of EMT-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Focaccio
- PhD School in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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2
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Zhang L, Xie A, Ma J, Liu H, Zeng C. Unveiling Cuproptosis: Mechanistic insights, roles, and leading advances in oncology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189180. [PMID: 39276875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Copper, a vital micronutrient, performs essential functions in numerous biological settings. Its disrupted metabolism is implicated in both the initiation of tumors and therapeutic interventions for cancer, underscoring the critical necessity of preserving copper homeostasis. Cuproptosis, a regulated cell death (RCD) modulated by copper, is activated in response to elevated copper concentrations, prompting an investigation into its implication in oncogenesis. Within this review, an exploration is conducted into copper dynamics and homeostasis maintenance within cells. Furthermore, it delves into the mechanisms underlying cuproptosis and its interplay with signaling pathways implicated in cancer. The potential synergy between cuproptosis and ferroptosis and its impact on tumor immunomodulation is discussed. Additionally, promising avenues for addressing cuproptosis in cancer involve assessing the utility of copper chelators and ionophores. By addressing pressing questions surrounding cuproptosis and outlining its pivotal role in cancer pathogenesis and treatment, this review propounds targeting cuproptosis as a promising frontier in antitumor therapy, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Aihui Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Jinghxian Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Huilin Liu
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen 518110, China.
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3
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Yang Z, Feng R, Zhao H. Cuproptosis and Cu: a new paradigm in cellular death and their role in non-cancerous diseases. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01993-y. [PMID: 39014119 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a newly characterized form of regulated cell death driven by copper accumulation, has emerged as a significant mechanism underlying various non-cancerous diseases. This review delves into the complex interplay between copper metabolism and the pathogenesis of conditions such as Wilson's disease (WD), neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular pathologies. We examine the molecular mechanisms by which copper dysregulation induces cuproptosis, highlighting the pivotal roles of key copper transporters and enzymes. Additionally, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of copper chelation strategies, which have shown promise in experimental models by mitigating copper-induced cellular damage and restoring physiological homeostasis. Through a comprehensive synthesis of recent advancements and current knowledge, this review underscores the necessity of further research to translate these findings into clinical applications. The ultimate goal is to harness the therapeutic potential of targeting cuproptosis, thereby improving disease management and patient outcomes in non-cancerous conditions associated with copper dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, 723000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ridong Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU), 79 Qingchun Rd., Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 330100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China.
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4
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Liu YT, Chen L, Li SJ, Wang WY, Wang YY, Yang QC, Song A, Zhang MJ, Mo WT, Li H, Hu CY, Sun ZJ. Dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling confers resistance to cuproptosis in cancer cells. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01341-2. [PMID: 38987382 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is characterized by the aggregation of lipoylated enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and subsequent loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins as a unique copper-dependent form of regulated cell death. As dysregulation of copper homeostasis can induce cuproptosis, there is emerging interest in exploiting cuproptosis for cancer therapy. However, the molecular drivers of cancer cell evasion of cuproptosis were previously undefined. Here, we found that cuproptosis activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Mechanistically, copper binds PDK1 and promotes its interaction with AKT, resulting in activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Notably, aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling conferred resistance of CSCs to cuproptosis. Further studies showed the β-catenin/TCF4 transcriptional complex directly binds the ATP7B promoter, inducing its expression. ATP7B effluxes copper ions, reducing intracellular copper and inhibiting cuproptosis. Knockdown of TCF4 or pharmacological Wnt/β-catenin blockade increased the sensitivity of CSCs to elesclomol-Cu-induced cuproptosis. These findings reveal a link between copper homeostasis regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and cuproptosis sensitivity, and suggest a precision medicine strategy for cancer treatment through selective cuproptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Tong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wu-Yin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Chao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - An Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Tao Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuan-Yu Hu
- Department of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Yanjun Y, Jing Z, Yifei S, Gangzhao G, Chenxin Y, Qiang W, Qiang Y, Shuwen H. Trace elements in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7454. [PMID: 39015024 PMCID: PMC11252496 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PCA) is an extremely aggressive malignant cancer with an increasing incidence and a low five-year survival rate. The main reason for this high mortality is that most patients are diagnosed with PCA at an advanced stage, missing early treatment options and opportunities. As important nutrients of the human body, trace elements play an important role in maintaining normal physiological functions. Moreover, trace elements are closely related to many diseases, including PCA. REVIEW This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress on selenium, copper, arsenic, and manganese in PCA, elucidates their application in PCA, and provides a new reference for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of PCA. CONCLUSION Trace elements such as selenium, copper, arsenic and manganese are playing an important role in the risk, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PCA. Meanwhile, they have a certain inhibitory effect on PCA, the mechanism mainly includes: promoting ferroptosis, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and inhibiting excessive proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yanjun
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
| | - Zhuang Jing
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
| | - Song Yifei
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
| | - Gu Gangzhao
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
| | - Yan Chenxin
- Shulan International Medical schoolZhejiang Shuren UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Wei Qiang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
| | - Yan Qiang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
| | - Han Shuwen
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHuzhouChina
- Institut Catholique de Lille, Junia (ICL), Université Catholique de Lille, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Transitions de Lille (LITL)LilleFrance
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6
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Li Q, Wang T, Zhou Y, Shi J. Cuproptosis in lung cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1487-1499. [PMID: 37480450 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of cell death that differs from other forms, is induced by the disruption of the binding of copper to mitochondrial respiratory acylation components. Inducing cell cuproptosis and targeting cell copper death pathways are considered potential directions for treating tumor diseases. We have provided a detailed introduction to the metabolic process of copper. In addition, this study attempts to clarify and summarize the relationships between cuproptosis and therapeutic targets and signaling pathways of lung cancer. This review aims to summarize the theoretical achievements for translating the results of lung cancer and cuproptosis experiments into clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixuan Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youlang Zhou
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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7
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Jawed R, Bhatti H. Cuproptosis in lung cancer: therapeutic options and prognostic models. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01978-x. [PMID: 38735011 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01978-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is a serious threat to mankind. The survival of LC patients is still poor despite the enormous efforts that have been made to develop novel treatments. A copper-dependent cell death termed cuproptosis is distinct from known programmed cell death (PCD). Cuproptosis is induced by the disruption of the binding of copper to lipoylated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle proteins of mitochondrial respiratory chains. Potential approaches for treating LC are inducing cell cuproptosis and targeting cell copper death mechanisms. Thus, in this review, we summarize the systemic and cellular metabolic processes of copper. We highlight the possible therapeutic options of employing copper ionophores and chelators for inducing cuproptosis. Moreover, we summarize the prognostic models based on cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) to identify promising biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of CRGs-based prognostic models and promising therapeutic options for cuproptosis induction in LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohil Jawed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Huma Bhatti
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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8
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Abdolmaleki S, Aliabadi A, Khaksar S. Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:213. [PMID: 38662225 PMCID: PMC11045632 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05641-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a necessary micronutrient for maintaining the well-being of the human body. The biological activity of organic ligands, especially their anticancer activity, is often enhanced when they coordinate with copper(I) and (II) ions. Copper and its compounds are capable of inducing tumor cell death through various mechanisms of action, including activation of apoptosis signaling pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of cuproptosis, and paraptosis. Some of the copper complexes are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to map tumor hypoxia in various cancers, including locally advanced rectal cancer and bulky tumors. Several studies have shown that copper nanoparticles can be used as effective agents in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the promising anticancer activity of copper-based compounds, their use in clinical trials is subject to certain limitations. Elevated copper concentrations may promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by affecting cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdolmaleki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Alireza Aliabadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Samad Khaksar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.
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9
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Tsymbal S, Refeld A, Zatsepin V, Kuchur O. The p53 protein is a suppressor of Atox1 copper chaperon in tumor cells under genotoxic effects. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295944. [PMID: 38127999 PMCID: PMC10735018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The p53 protein is crucial for regulating cell survival and apoptosis in response to DNA damage. However, its influence on therapy effectiveness is controversial: when DNA damage is high p53 directs cells toward apoptosis, while under moderate genotoxic stress it saves the cells from death and promote DNA repair. Furthermore, these processes are influenced by the metabolism of transition metals, particularly copper since they serve as cofactors for critical enzymes. The metallochaperone Atox1 is under intensive study in this context because it serves as transcription factor allegedly mediating described effects of copper. Investigating the interaction between p53 and Atox1 could provide insights into tumor cell survival and potential therapeutic applications in oncology. This study explores the relationship between p53 and Atox1 in HCT116 and A549 cell lines with wild type and knockout TP53. The study found an inverse correlation between Atox1 and p53 at the transcriptional and translational levels in response to genotoxic stress. Atox1 expression decreased with increased p53 activity, while cells with inactive p53 had significantly higher levels of Atox1. Suppression of both genes increased apoptosis, while suppression of the ATOX1 gene prevented apoptosis even under the treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. The findings suggest that Atox1 may act as one of key elements in promotion of cell cycle under DNA-damaging conditions, while p53 works as an antagonist by inhibiting Atox1. Understanding of this relationship could help identify potential targets in cell signaling pathways to enhance the effectiveness of combined antitumor therapy, especially in tumors with mutant or inactive p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Tsymbal
- International Institute ‘Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies’, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Refeld
- International Institute ‘Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies’, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Oleg Kuchur
- International Institute ‘Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies’, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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10
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Conforti RA, Delsouc MB, Zorychta E, Telleria CM, Casais M. Copper in Gynecological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17578. [PMID: 38139406 PMCID: PMC10743751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for the correct development of eukaryotic organisms. This metal plays a key role in many cellular and physiological activities, including enzymatic activity, oxygen transport, and cell signaling. Although the redox activity of Cu is crucial for enzymatic reactions, this property also makes it potentially toxic when found at high levels. Due to this dual action of Cu, highly regulated mechanisms are necessary to prevent both the deficiency and the accumulation of this metal since its dyshomeostasis may favor the development of multiple diseases, such as Menkes' and Wilson's diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. As the relationship between Cu and cancer has been the most studied, we analyze how this metal can affect three fundamental processes for tumor progression: cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Gynecological diseases are characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, depending on the case, and mainly include benign and malignant tumors. The cellular processes that promote their progression are affected by Cu, and the mechanisms that occur may be similar. We analyze the crosstalk between Cu deregulation and gynecological diseases, focusing on therapeutic strategies derived from this metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío A. Conforti
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), San Luis CP D5700HHW, Argentina; (R.A.C.); (M.B.D.)
| | - María B. Delsouc
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), San Luis CP D5700HHW, Argentina; (R.A.C.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Edith Zorychta
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
| | - Carlos M. Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marilina Casais
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (UNSL), Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), San Luis CP D5700HHW, Argentina; (R.A.C.); (M.B.D.)
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11
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Gao L, Zhang A. Copper-instigated modulatory cell mortality mechanisms and progress in oncological treatment investigations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236063. [PMID: 37600774 PMCID: PMC10433393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper, a transition metal, serves as an essential co-factor in numerous enzymatic active sites and constitutes a vital trace element in the human body, participating in crucial life-sustaining activities such as energy metabolism, antioxidation, coagulation, neurotransmitter synthesis, iron metabolism, and tetramer deposition. Maintaining the equilibrium of copper ions within biological systems is of paramount importance in the prevention of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases. Copper induces cellular demise through diverse mechanisms, encompassing reactive oxygen species responses, apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent research has identified and dubbed a novel regulatory cell death modality-"cuprotosis"-wherein copper ions bind to acylated proteins in the tricarboxylic acid cycle of mitochondrial respiration, resulting in protein aggregation, subsequent downregulation of iron-sulfur cluster protein expression, induction of proteotoxic stress, and eventual cell death. Scholars have synthesized copper complexes by combining copper ions with various ligands, exploring their significance and applications in cancer therapy. This review comprehensively examines the multiple pathways of copper metabolism, copper-induced regulatory cell death, and the current status of copper complexes in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Medical Imaging Department, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Renqiu, China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- Oncology Department, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Renqiu, China
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12
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Tang X, Yan Z, Miao Y, Ha W, Li Z, Yang L, Mi D. Copper in cancer: from limiting nutrient to therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1209156. [PMID: 37427098 PMCID: PMC10327296 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1209156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As an essential nutrient, copper's redox properties are both beneficial and toxic to cells. Therefore, leveraging the characteristics of copper-dependent diseases or using copper toxicity to treat copper-sensitive diseases may offer new strategies for specific disease treatments. In particular, copper concentration is typically higher in cancer cells, making copper a critical limiting nutrient for cancer cell growth and proliferation. Hence, intervening in copper metabolism specific to cancer cells may become a potential tumor treatment strategy, directly impacting tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the metabolism of copper in the body and summarize research progress on the role of copper in promoting tumor cell growth or inducing programmed cell death in tumor cells. Additionally, we elucidate the role of copper-related drugs in cancer treatment, intending to provide new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The Second Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Zaihua Yan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The Second Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yandong Miao
- Department of Oncology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wuhua Ha
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Gansu Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Denghai Mi
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Jiang L, Liao J, Han Y. Study on the role and pharmacology of cuproptosis in gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1145446. [PMID: 37007099 PMCID: PMC10063964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1145446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveGastric cancer has a poor prognosis and high mortality. Cuproptosis, a novel programmed cell death, is rarely studied in gastric cancer. Studying the mechanism of cuproptosis in gastric cancer is conducive to the development of new drugs, improving the prognosis of patients and reducing the burden of disease.MethodsThe TCGA database was used to obtain transcriptome data from gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. GSE66229 was used for external verification. Overlapping genes were obtained by crossing the genes obtained by differential analysis with those related to copper death. Eight characteristic genes were obtained by three dimensionality reduction methods: lasso, SVM, and random forest. ROC and nomogram were used to estimate the diagnostic efficacy of characteristic genes. The CIBERSORT method was used to assess immune infiltration. ConsensusClusterPlus was used for subtype classification. Discovery Studio software conducts molecular docking between drugs and target proteins.ResultsWe have established the early diagnosis model of eight characteristic genes (ENTPD3, PDZD4, CNN1, GTPBP4, FPGS, UTP25, CENPW, and FAM111A) for gastric cancer. The results are validated by internal and external data, and the predictive power is good. The subtype classification and immune type analysis of gastric cancer samples were performed based on the consensus clustering method. We identified C2 as an immune subtype and C1 as a non-immune subtype. Small molecule drug targeting based on genes associated with cuproptosis predicts potential therapeutics for gastric cancer. Molecular docking revealed multiple forces between Dasatinib and CNN1.ConclusionThe candidate drug Dasatinib may be effective in treating gastric cancer by affecting the expression of the cuproptosis signature gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Junzuo Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunwei Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yunwei Han,
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Wang L, Yao B, Yang J, Tian Z, He J. Construction of a novel cuproptosis-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and estimating tumor immune microenvironment status in papillary thyroid carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1131. [PMID: 36333684 PMCID: PMC9635208 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuproptosis, a new form of programmed cell death, has been recently reported to be closely related to tumor progression. However, the significance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of the CRG signature in prognosis prediction and immunotherapeutic effect estimation in patients with PTC. METHODS RNA-seq data and the corresponding clinical information of patients with PTC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Comprehensive analyses, namely, consensus clustering, immune analyses, functional enrichment, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-multivariate Cox regression, and nomogram analysis, were performed to identify new molecular subgroups, determine the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) status of the identified subgroups, and construct a clinical model. Independent verification cohort data and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to validate the expression of specific prognosis-related and differentially expressed CRGs (P-DECRGs). RESULTS In the TCGA database, 476 patients with PTC who had complete clinical and follow-up information were included. Among 135 CRGs, 21 were identified as P-DECRGs. Two molecular subgroups with significantly different disease-free survival and TIME statuses were identified based on these 21 P-DECRGs. The differentially expressed genes between the two subgroups were mainly associated with immune regulation. The risk model and nomogram were constructed based on four specific P-DECRGs and validated as accurate prognostic predictions and TIME status estimation for PTC by TCGA and GEO verification cohorts. Finally, the qPCR results of 20 PTC and paracancerous thyroid tissues validated those in the TCGA database. CONCLUSIONS Four specific P-DECRGs in PTC were identified, and a clinical model based on them was established, which may be helpful for individualized immunotherapeutic strategies and prognostic prediction in patients with PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Wang
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
| | - Baiyu Yao
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
| | - Jiapeng Yang
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
| | - Zhong Tian
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province China
| | - Jingni He
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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