Copper ions, prion protein and Aβ modulate Ca levels in central nervous system myelin in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner

Cuproptosis and Cu: a new paradigm in cellular death and their role in non-cancerous diseases

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.

Cuprizone-induced Demyelination in Mouse Brain is not due to Depletion of Copper

The cuprizone (CPZ) model allows the study of the biochemical processes underlying nonautoimmune-mediated demyelination, remyelination, and chronic white matter disease progression. CPZ is a copper (Cu) chelator that chiefly causes oligodendrocyte apoptosis in the corpus callosum and cerebellum when administered in the mouse diet. While disruption of Cu homeostasis is known to cause neurodegeneration (as is observed in Wilson’s and Menkes disease), no consensus exists to date as to CPZ’s mechanism of action. We sought to determine whether CPZ-induced pathology is due to Cu depletion as is generally believed. Cu supplementation in chow, in stoichiometric excess to the added CPZ, did not reduce CPZ-induced demyelination in C57Bl/6 mice. Moreover, equivalent doses of other known Cu chelators neocuproine and D-penicillamine (D-Pen) failed to induce central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Since administration of D-Pen in the treatment of Wilson’s disease can induce hypocupremia, we next sought to recreate penicillamine-induced Cu deficiency to compare with purported CPZ-induced Cu deficiency. The resulting clinical phenotype and histopathology were unlike that of CPZ. D-Pen-treated mice exhibited digit paralysis, tail flaccidity, subcutaneous hemorrhaging, and optic and sciatic neuropathy, all of which were prevented with Cu supplementation. No demyelination of the corpus callosum or cerebellum was observed, even with D-Pen doses tenfold higher than CPZ. Intriguingly, addition of D-Pen to the CPZ diet paradoxically prevented demyelination in a dose-dependent manner.