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Huang XY, Shen JY, Huang K, Wang L, Sethi G, Ma Z. Cuproptosis in cancers: Function and implications from bench to bedside. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116874. [PMID: 38850661 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116874] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper, an indispensable micronutrient, is implicated in numerous vital biological processes and is essential for all physiological activities. Recently, the discovery of a novel type of copper-dependent cell death, known as cuproptosis, has shed light on its role in cancer development. Extensive research is currently underway to unravel the mechanisms underlying cuproptosis and its correlation with various cancer types. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding the roles and mechanisms of cuproptosis in various cancer types, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and cutaneous melanoma. Furthermore, the effects of copper-related agents such as copper chelators and copper ionophores on cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor immunity, and chemotherapy resistance have been explored in cancer preclinical and clinical trials. These insights provide promising avenues for the development of prospective anticancer drugs aimed at inducing cuproptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Jia-Yang Shen
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Ke Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore.
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, China.
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2
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Lin Y, Yuan M, Wang G. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in gynecological disorders: Pathogenic insights and therapeutic implications. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127436. [PMID: 38547725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the complex role of copper homeostasis in female reproductive system diseases. As an essential trace element, copper plays a crucial role in various biological functions. Its dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of gynecological disorders. We investigate how copper impacts these diseases, focusing on aspects like oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune function, estrogen levels, and angiogenesis. The review highlights significant changes in copper levels in diseases such as cervical, ovarian, endometrial cancer, and endometriosis, underscoring their potential roles in disease mechanisms and therapeutic exploration. The recent discovery of 'cuproptosis,' a novel cell death mechanism induced by copper ions, offers a fresh molecular perspective in understanding these diseases. The review also examines genes associated with cuproptosis, particularly those related to drug resistance, suggesting new strategies to enhance traditional therapy effectiveness. Additionally, we critically evaluate current therapeutic approaches targeting copper homeostasis, including copper ionophores, chelators, and nanoparticles, emphasizing their emerging potential in gynecological disease treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of copper's role in female reproductive health, setting the stage for future research to elucidate its mechanisms and develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China.
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Li L, Zhou H, Zhang C. Cuproptosis in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:91. [PMID: 38918694 PMCID: PMC11201306 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00608-3] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a newly identified copper (Cu)-dependent form of cell death, stands out due to its distinct mechanism that sets it apart from other known cell death pathways. The molecular underpinnings of cuproptosis involve the binding of Cu to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This interaction triggers enzyme aggregation and proteotoxic stress, culminating in cell death. The specific mechanism of cuproptosis has yet to be fully elucidated. This newly recognized form of cell death has sparked numerous investigations into its role in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on Cu metabolism and its link to cancer. Furthermore, we delineated the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and summarized the roles of cuproptosis-related genes in cancer. Finally, we offered a comprehensive discussion of the most recent advancements in Cu ionophores and nanoparticle delivery systems that utilize cuproptosis as a cutting-edge strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Houfeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Singh AK, Singh AK, Sharma SK, Sonkar VK, Singh VP. A highly selective coumarin-based chemosensor for dual sensing of Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ions with logic gate integration and live cell imaging. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024. [PMID: 38912555 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00594e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, a coumarin-based Schiff base chemosensor has been synthesized and developed to detect Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in nanomolar concentrations. The probe selectively distinguishes Cu2+ and Zn2+ from among several metal ions in DMF : H2O (7 : 3, v/v, pH 7.4) HEPES buffer. The structure of the probe and its sensing behavior were investigated by FT-IR, UV-vis, fluorescence, HRMS, and NMR analyses, along with X-ray crystallography and computational studies. CIH detects Zn2+ and Cu2+ using different strategies: CHEF-induced fluorescence enhancement and paramagnetic fluorescence quenching, respectively. Job's plots show a 1 : 1 binding interaction between CIH and Cu2+ or Zn2+ ions. The binding constant values for Cu2+ (1.237 × 105 M-1) and Zn2+ (1.24 × 104 M-1) suggest a better ability for Cu2+ to interact with CIH than Zn2+. An extremely high sensitivity of the probe was highlighted by its very low detection limits (LOD) of 5.36 nM for Cu2+ and 3.49 nM for Zn2+. The regeneration of the probe with the addition of EDTA in its complexes allows the formation of molecular logic gates. CIH has been successfully employed in mitotracking and intracellular detection of Zn2+ and Cu2+ in SiHa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avanish Kumar Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Shashi Kant Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Sonkar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Vinod P Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
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Zeng M, Wu B, Wei W, Jiang Z, Li P, Quan Y, Hu X. Disulfiram: A novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1389-1398. [PMID: 38275022 PMCID: PMC11188872 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002909] [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: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is a major global health issue. Effective therapeutic strategies can prolong patients' survival and reduce the costs of treatment. Drug repurposing, which identifies new therapeutic uses for approved drugs, is a promising approach with the advantages of reducing research costs, shortening development time, and increasing efficiency and safety. Disulfiram (DSF), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat chronic alcoholism, has a great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting diverse human malignancies. Several studies show the antitumor effects of DSF, particularly the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu), on a wide range of cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM), breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. In this review, we summarize the antitumor mechanisms of DSF/Cu, including induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cell death signaling pathways, and inhibition of proteasome activity, as well as inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Furthermore, we highlight the ability of DSF/Cu to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which provides a new approach to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Strikingly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets associated with drug resistance, and therefore it is becoming a novel option to increase the sensitivity of chemo-resistant and radio-resistant patients. Studies of DSF/Cu may shed light on its improved application to clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Baibei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zihan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuanting Quan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhang J, Yang Y, Fleishman JS, Wang Y, Wang J, Chen J, Li Y, Wang H. Cuproptosis: A novel therapeutic target for overcoming cancer drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 72:101018. [PMID: 37979442 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death driven by copper. Recently, the role of copper and copper triggered cell death in the pathogenesis of cancers have attracted attentions. Cuproptosis has garnered enormous interest in cancer research communities because of its great potential for cancer therapy. Copper-based treatment exerts an inhibiting role in tumor growth and may open the door for the treatment of chemotherapy-insensitive tumors. In this review, we provide a critical analysis on copper homeostasis and the role of copper dysregulation in the development and progression of cancers. Then the core molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its role in cancer is discussed, followed by summarizing the current understanding of copper-based agents (copper chelators, copper ionophores, and copper complexes-based dynamic therapy) for cancer treatment. Additionally, we summarize the emerging data on copper complexes-based agents and copper ionophores to subdue tumor chemotherapy resistance in different types of cancers. We also review the small-molecule compounds and nanoparticles (NPs) that may kill cancer cells by inducing cuproptosis, which will shed new light on the development of anticancer drugs through inducing cuproptosis in the future. Finally, the important concepts and pressing questions of cuproptosis in future research that should be focused on were discussed. This review article suggests that targeting cuproptosis could be a novel antitumor therapy and treatment strategy to overcome cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Yongming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Junjing Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Huhhot First Hospital, Huhhot 010030, PR China
| | - Yihui Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research & Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuanfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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Wang N, Zhu D, Liu Y, Wu J, Wang M, Jin S, Fu F, Li B, Ji H, Du C, Zheng Z. NPLOC4 is a potential target and a poor prognostic signature in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20430. [PMID: 37993584 PMCID: PMC10665339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47782-6] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Few prognostic biomarkers exist for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), which has a poor five-year survival rate. Using bioinformatics, this study evaluated NPLOC4 as a prognostic marker for patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Shorter survival periods and tumor growth were linked to high NPLOC4 expression.Disulfiram (DSF) combined with copper (Cu) targets NPLOC4 to achieve antitumor effects in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, we investigated the effects of DSF with Cu in LUSC. Gene-set enrichment analysis identified ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis as the NPLOC4-associated mechanism influencing LUSC prognosis. In SK-MES-1 cell lines, DSF + Cu increased K48-linked ubiquitinated protein expression and apoptosis. This study identified NPLOC4 as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naixue Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110011, China
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Dantong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110011, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jingran Wu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116085, China
| | - Meiling Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110011, China
| | - Shanxiu Jin
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116085, China
| | - Fangwei Fu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Baolei Li
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Hongjuan Ji
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Cheng Du
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110011, China.
| | - Zhendong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110011, China.
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Wang M, Zheng L, Ma S, Lin R, Li J, Yang S. Cuproptosis: emerging biomarkers and potential therapeutics in cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1288504. [PMID: 38023234 PMCID: PMC10662309 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1288504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruixin Lin
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuli Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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