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Lou QM, Lai FF, Li JW, Mao KJ, Wan HT, He Y. Mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relevance to distinct diseases. Apoptosis 2024; 29:981-1006. [PMID: 38824478 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01983-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a trace element required by the organism, but once the level of copper exceeds the threshold, it becomes toxic and even causes death. The underlying mechanisms of copper-induced death are inconclusive, with different studies showing different opinions on the mechanism of copper-induced death. Multiple investigations have shown that copper induces oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, nucleolar stress, and proteasome inhibition, all of which can result in cell death. The latest research elucidates a copper-dependent death and denominates it as cuproptosis. Cuproptosis takes place through the combination of copper and lipoylated proteins of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, triggering agglomeration of lipoylated proteins and loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, leading to proteotoxic stress and ultimately death. Given the toxicity and necessity of copper, abnormal levels of copper lead to diseases such as neurological diseases and cancer. The development of cancer has a high demand for copper, neurological diseases involve the change of copper contents and the binding of copper to proteins. There is a close relationship between these two kinds of diseases and copper. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of copper-related death, and the association between copper and diseases, to better figure out the influence of copper in cell death and diseases, thus advancing the clinical remedy of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Mei Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Fei-Fan Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jing-Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Kun-Jun Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hai-Tong Wan
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Kciuk M, Gielecińska A, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Yahya EB, Kontek R. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis: Metal-dependent cell death pathways activated in response to classical chemotherapy - Significance for cancer treatment? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189124. [PMID: 38801962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189124] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis has traditionally been regarded as the desired cell death pathway activated by chemotherapeutic drugs due to its controlled and non-inflammatory nature. However, recent discoveries of alternative cell death pathways have paved the way for immune-stimulatory treatment approaches in cancer. Ferroptosis (dependent on iron) and cuproptosis (dependent on copper) hold promise for selective cancer cell targeting and overcoming drug resistance. Copper ionophores and iron-bearing nano-drugs show potential for clinical therapy as single agents and as adjuvant treatments. Here we review up-to-date evidence for the involvement of metal ion-dependent cell death pathways in the cytotoxicity of classical chemotherapeutic agents (alkylating agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and mitotic spindle inhibitors) and their combinations with cuproptosis and ferroptosis inducers, indicating the prospects, advantages, and obstacles of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kciuk
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - A Gielecińska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; University of Lodz, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ż Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Narutowicza 60, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
| | - E B Yahya
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - R Kontek
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
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3
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Wang Y, Qiu X, Liu J, Liu X, Pan J, Cai J, Liu X, Qu S. Cuproptosis-Related Biomarkers and Characterization of Immune Infiltration in Sepsis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2459-2478. [PMID: 38681070 PMCID: PMC11048236 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s452980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sepsis is a worldwide epidemic, with high morbidity and mortality. Cuproptosis is a form of cell death that is associated with a wide range of diseases. This study aimed to explore genes associated with cuproptosis in sepsis, construct predictive models and screen for potential targets. Methods The LASSO algorithm and SVM-RFE model has been analysed the expression of cuproptosis-related genes in sepsis and immune infiltration characteristics and identified the marker genes under a diagnostic model. Gene-drug networks, mRNA-miRNA networks and PPI networks were constructed to screen for potential biological targets. The expression of marker genes was validated based on the GSE57065 dataset. Consensus clustering method was used to classify sepsis samples. Results We found 381 genes associated with the development of sepsis and discovered significantly differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes of 16 cell types in sepsis and immune infiltration with CD8/CD4 T cells being lower. NFE2L2, NLRP3, SLC31A1, DLD, DLAT, PDHB, MTF1, CDKN2A and DLST were identified as marker genes by the LASSO algorithm and the SVM-RFE model. AUC > 0.9 was constructed for PDHB and MTF1 alone respectively. The validation group data for PDHB (P=0.00099) and MTF1 (P=7.2e-14) were statistically significant. Consistent clustering analysis confirmed two subtypes. The C1 subtype may be more relevant to cellular metabolism and the C2 subtype has some relevance to immune molecules.The results of animal experiments showed that the gene expression was consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. Discussion Our study systematically explored the relationship between sepsis and cuproptosis and constructed a diagnostic model. And, several cuproptosis-related genes may interfere with the progression of sepsis through immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfeng Wang
- College of Public Health and Management, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Qiu
- College of Public Health and Management, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiao Liu
- College of Public Health and Management, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuanyi Liu
- College of Public Health and Management, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialu Pan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Cai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- College of Public Health and Management, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
- South Zhejiang Institute of Radiation Medicine and Nuclear Technology, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shugen Qu
- College of Public Health and Management, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
- South Zhejiang Institute of Radiation Medicine and Nuclear Technology, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Dai L, Zhou P, Lyu L, Jiang S. Systematic analysis based on the cuproptosis-related genes identifies ferredoxin 1 as an immune regulator and therapeutic target for glioblastoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1249. [PMID: 38114959 PMCID: PMC10731758 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11727-z] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is recognized as the prevailing malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor, characterized by an exceedingly unfavorable prognosis. Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of programmed cell death, exhibits a strong association with cancer progression, therapeutic response, and prognostic outcomes. However, the specific impact of cuproptosis on GBM remains uncertain. To address this knowledge gap, we obtained transcriptional and clinical data pertaining to GBM tissues and their corresponding normal samples from various datasets, including TCGA, CGGA, GEO, and GTEx. R software was utilized for the analysis of various statistical techniques, including survival analysis, cluster analysis, Cox regression, Lasso regression, gene enrichment analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and immune microenvironment analysis. Multiple assays were conducted to investigate the expression of genes related to cuproptosis and their impact on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. The datasets were obtained and prognostic risk score models were constructed and validated using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with cuproptosis. To enhance the practicality of these models, a nomogram was developed.Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who were classified as high risk exhibited a more unfavorable prognosis and shorter overall survival compared to those in the low risk group. Additionally, we specifically chose FDX1 from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within the high risk group to assess its expression, prognostic value, biological functionality, drug responsiveness, and immune cell infiltration. The findings demonstrated that FDX1 was significantly upregulated and associated with a poorer prognosis in GBM. Furthermore, its elevated expression appeared to be linked to various metabolic processes and the susceptibility to chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, FDX1 was found to be involved in immune cell infiltration and exhibited correlations with multiple immunosuppressive genes, including TGFBR1 and PDCD1LG2. The aforementioned studies offer substantial assistance in informing the chemotherapy and immunotherapy approaches for GBM. In summary, these findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of cuproptosis and offer novel perspectives on the involvement of cuproptosis-related genes in GBM, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirui Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Adenoma Multidisciplinary Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Peizhi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Adenoma Multidisciplinary Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Lyu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Adenoma Multidisciplinary Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shu Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Adenoma Multidisciplinary Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Bian C, Zheng Z, Su J, Chang S, Yu H, Bao J, Xin Y, Jiang X. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in tumor pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1271613. [PMID: 37767404 PMCID: PMC10520736 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1271613] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is an indispensable micronutrient for the development and replication of all eukaryotes, and its redox properties are both harmful and beneficial to cells. An imbalance in copper homeostasis is thought to be involved in carcinogenesis. Importantly, cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis cannot be separated from the effects of copper. Cuproposis is a copper-dependent form of cell death that differs from other existing modalities of regulatory cell death. The role of cuproptosis in the pathogenesis of the nervous and cardiovascular systems has been widely studied; however, its impact on malignant tumors is yet to be fully understood from a clinical perspective. Exploring signaling pathways related to cuproptosis will undoubtedly provide a new perspective for the development of anti-tumor drugs in the future. Here, we systematically review the systemic and cellular metabolic processes of copper and the regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis in cancer. In addition, we discuss the possibility of targeting copper ion drugs to prolong the survival of cancer patients, with an emphasis on the most representative copper ionophores and chelators. We suggest that attention should be paid to the potential value of copper in the treatment of specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenbin Bian
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Sitong Chang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huiyuan Yu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jindian Bao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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de Biase D, Franceschi E, Marucci G. Editorial: Advances in brain tumors diagnosis and treatment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1152547. [PMID: 37215713 PMCID: PMC10192897 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1152547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dario de Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Solid Tumor Molecular Pathology Laboratory, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Franceschi
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Yin G, Tian T, Ji X, Zheng S, Zhu Z, Li Y, Zhang C. Integrated analysis to identify the prognostic and immunotherapeutic roles of coagulation-associated gene signature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1107419. [PMID: 37006234 PMCID: PMC10063824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1107419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The coagulation system is closely related to the physiological status and immune response of the body. Recent years, studies focusing on the association between coagulation system abnormalities and tumor progression have been widely reported. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), poor prognosis often occurs in patients with venous tumor thrombosis and coagulation system abnormalities, and there is a lack of research in related fields. Significant differences in coagulation function were also demonstrated in our clinical sample of patients with high ccRCC stage or grade. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the biological functions of coagulation-related genes (CRGs) in ccRCC patients using single-cell sequencing and TCGA data to establish the 5-CRGs based diagnostic signature and predictive signature for ccRCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses suggested that prognostic signature could be an independent risk factor. Meanwhile, we applied CRGs for consistent clustering of ccRCC patients, and the two classes showed significant survival and genotype differences. The differences in individualized treatment between the two different subtypes were revealed by pathway enrichment analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis. In summary, we present the first systematic analysis of the significance of CRGs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized treatment of ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guicao Yin
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tai Tian
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Ji
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shengqi Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhenpeng Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenpeng Zhu, ; Yifan Li, ; Cuijian Zhang,
| | - Yifan Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenpeng Zhu, ; Yifan Li, ; Cuijian Zhang,
| | - Cuijian Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhenpeng Zhu, ; Yifan Li, ; Cuijian Zhang,
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4-Octyl itaconate inhibits aerobic glycolysis by targeting GAPDH to promote cuproptosis in colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114301. [PMID: 36706634 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a novel copper-induced cell death pathway, is linked to mitochondrial respiration and mediated by protein lipoylation. The discovery of cuproptosis unfolds new areas of investigation, particularly in cancers. The present study aimed to explore the role of cuproptosis in colorectal cancer progression. The genetic alterations of cuproptosis in colon cancer were evaluated using a database. MTT assays, colony formation, and flow cytometry were used to examine the effect of elesclomol-Cu and 4-Octyl itaconate (4-OI) on colorectal cancer cell and oxaliplatin-resistant cell viability. The anti-tumor effect of elesclomol with 4-OI was verified in vivo assay. The results showed that FDX1, SDHB, DLAT, and DLST genes were more highly expressed in normal tissues than those in primary tumor tissues. Patients with high expressions of these genes in tumor tissues had a better prognosis. Using MTT assay and colony formation analysis, elesclomol-Cu pulse treatment showed significant inhibition of cell viability in HCT116, LoVo, and HCT116-R cells. In addition, flow cytometry revealed elesclomol-Cu significantly promoted apoptosis. Tetrathiomolybdate, a copper chelator, markedly inhibited cuproptosis. Subsequently, we found 2-deoxy-D-glucose, a glucose metabolism inhibitor, sensitized cuproptosis. Furthermore, galactose further promoted cuproptosis. Interestingly, 4-OI significantly enhanced cuproptosis which was irrelevant to ROS production, apoptosis, necroptosis, or pyroptosis pathways. Aerobic glycolysis was inhibited by 4-OI through GAPDH, one of the key enzymes of glycolysis, sensitizing cuproptosis. Meanwhile, FDX1 knockdown weakened the ability of 4-OI to promote cuproptosis. In vivo experiments, 4-OI with elesclomol-Cu showed better anti-tumor effects. These results indicated that elesclomol-Cu rapidly halted cell growth in colorectal cancer cells and oxaliplatin-resistant cell line. Importantly, we revealed that 4-OI inhibited aerobic glycolysis by targeting GAPDH to promote cuproptosis.
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Ma YL, Yang YF, Wang HC, Yang CC, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Tian BW, Liu H, Xue JS, Han CL, Tan SY, Hong JG, Yan YC, Mao XC, Wang DX, Li T. A novel prognostic scoring model based on copper homeostasis and cuproptosis which indicates changes in tumor microenvironment and affects treatment response. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1101749. [PMID: 36909185 PMCID: PMC9998499 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Intracellular copper homeostasis requires a complex system. It has shown considerable prospects for intervening in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by regulating copper homeostasis and provoking cuproptosis. Their relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. Methods: In TCGA and ICGC datasets, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression were applied to obtain the signature on the basis of genes associated with copper homeostasis and cuproptosis. Bioinformatic tools were utilized to reveal if the signature was correlated with HCC characteristics. Single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis identified differences in tumor and T cells' pathway activity and intercellular communication of immune-related cells. Real-time qPCR analysis was conducted to measure the genes' expression in HCC and adjacent normal tissue from 21 patients. CCK8 assay, scratch assay, transwell, and colony formation were conducted to reveal the effect of genes on in vitro cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation. Results: We constructed a five-gene scoring system in relation to copper homeostasis and cuproptosis. The high-risk score indicated poor clinical prognosis, enhanced tumor malignancy, and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. The T cell activity was markedly reduced in high-risk single-cell samples. The high-risk HCC patients had a better expectation of ICB response and reactivity to anti-PD-1 therapy. A total of 156 drugs were identified as potential signature-related drugs for HCC treatment, and most were sensitive to high-risk patients. Novel ligand-receptor pairs such as FASLG, CCL, CD40, IL2, and IFN-Ⅱ signaling pathways were revealed as cellular communication bridges, which may cause differences in TME and immune function. All crucial genes were differentially expressed between HCC and paired adjacent normal tissue. Model-constructed genes affected the phosphorylation of mTOR and AKT in both Huh7 and Hep3B cells. Knockdown of ZCRB1 impaired the proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation in HCC cell lines. Conclusion: We obtained a prognostic scoring system to forecast the TME changes and assist in choosing therapy strategies for HCC patients. In this study, we combined copper homeostasis and cuproptosis to show the overall potential risk of copper-related biological processes in HCC for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Long Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Han-Chao Wang
- Institute for Financial Studies, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bao-Wen Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun-Shuai Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng-Long Han
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Yu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian-Guo Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-Cheng Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong-Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of hepatobiliary surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Yang C, Guo Y, Wu Z, Huang J, Xiang B. Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis-Related Genes in Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Bulk and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225713. [PMID: 36428805 PMCID: PMC9688556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225713] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies on prognostic potential and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) characteristics of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. Methods: A multigene signature model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis. The cuproptosis-related multivariate cox regression analysis and bulk RNA-seq-based immune infiltration analysis were performed. The results were verified using two cohorts. The enrichment of CRGs in T cells based on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and multiplex immunofluorescence staining were performed to verify the reliability of the conclusions. Results: A four-gene risk scoring model was constructed. Kaplan−Meier curve analysis showed that the high-risk group had a worse prognosis (p < 0.001). The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the OS risk score prediction performance was good. These results were further confirmed in the validation queue. Meanwhile, the Tregs and macrophages were enriched in the cuproptosis-related TIME of HCC. Conclusions: The CRGs-based signature model could predict the prognosis of HCC. Treg and macrophages were significantly enriched in cuproptosis-related HCC, which was associated with the depletion of proliferating T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yanlin Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zongze Wu
- The First Clinical School of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Juntao Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bangde Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-771-533-0855
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