Cuproptosis-Related MiR-21-5p/FDX1 Axis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Its Potential Impact on Tumor Microenvironment

Cuproptosis: A new mechanism for anti-tumour therapy

As an indispensable trace metal element in the organism, copper acts as a key catalytic cofactor in a wide range of biological processes. Copper homeostasis disorders can be caused by either copper excess or deficiency, and copper homeostasis disorders will affect the normal physiological functions of cells and induce cell death through a variety of mechanisms, such as the emerging cuproptosis model. The imbalance of copper homeostasis will lead to the occurrence of cancer, and copper is a key factor in cell signalling, so copper is involved in the development of cancer by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis, etc. The therapeutic role of Cuproptosis as a hotspot of research in cancer has also attracted much attention. Therefore, this paper comprehensively searches the literature to review the roles and mechanisms of Cuproptosis in the treatment of malignant tumours, aiming to provide new insights into the role and mechanism of Cuproptosis in anti-malignant tumour therapy and present novel ideas and methods.

Identification of cuproptosis-related genes in septic shock based on bioinformatic analysis

BACKGROUND

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by a failure of organ systems and a high mortality rate. Cuproptosis is a new form of cell death that is triggered by copper overload. However, the relationship between cuproptosis-related genes and septic shock remains unclear.

METHODS

The GSE26440 dataset from the GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and septic shock samples. Additionally, hub genes related to the progression of septic shock and cuproptosis were screened by Venn analysis. RT-qPCR was utilized to validate the expression of hub genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes from septic shock patients and healthy controls. Next, functional analysis and immune cells infiltration were performed.

RESULTS

SLC31A1 and MTF1 levels were obviously elevated and LIAS and LIPT1 levels were downregulated in septic shock samples, compared to normal controls. The diagnostic values of the four genes were confirmed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Additionally, SLC31A1 and MTF1 showed a positive correlation with natural killer cells and LIAS and LIPT1 exhibited a positive correlation with CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, compared to low-level groups, MAPK signaling was activated in the high-SLC31A1 level group, VEGF signaling was activated in the high-MTF1 level group and lipoic acid metabolism was activated in high-LIAS and high-LIPT1 level groups.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that SLC31A1, MTF1, LIAS, and LIPT1 are dysregulated in septic shock samples, and these genes exhibit potential diagnostic efficacy in septic shock, suggesting that these genes may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of septic shock.

Cuproptosis in cancer therapy: mechanisms, therapeutic application and future prospects

Cuproptosis is a regulated form of cell death induced by the accumulation of metal ions and is closely linked to aspects of cellular drug resistance, cellular metabolism, and signalling pathways. Due to its crucial role in regulating physiological and pathological processes, cuproptosis has gained increasing significance as a potential target for anticancer drug development. In this review, we introduce the definition of cuproptosis and provide a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms of cuproptosis. In addition, the methods for the detection of cuproptosis are summarized, and recent advances in cuproptosis in cancer therapy are reviewed, mainly in terms of elesclomol (ES)-mediated cuproptosis and disulfiram (DSF)-mediated cuproptosis, which provided practical value for applications. Finally, the current challenges and future development of cuproptosis-mediated cancer therapy are discussed. In summary, this review highlights recent progress on cuproptosis in cancer therapy, offering novel ideas and strategies for future research and applications.

TRIM24-DTNBP1-ATP7A mediated astrocyte cuproptosis in cognition and memory dysfunction caused by Y2O3 NPs

Yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3 NPs), extensively utilized rare earth nanoparticles, exhibited a diverse range of applications across various fields, which leading to increased human exposure. Moreover, potential neurotoxic risks have been associated with their use, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Y2O3 NPs on cognitive function in rats with a particular focus on elucidating the pivotal role played by astrocytes in this process. The results demonstrated that Y2O3 NPs induced cognitive and memory impairment in rats, copper (Cu) accumulation and cuproptosis of astrocytes as contributing factors. Furthermore, we elucidated that Y2O3 NPs induced astrocytes cuproptosis by inhibiting TRIM24/DTNBP1/ATP7A signaling pathway-mediated cellular Cu efflux. We provide, for the first time, the important involvement of astrocytes in Y2O3 NPs-induced neurotoxicity, elucidating that cuproptosis as the primary mode of cell death. These results offer valuable insights for the future safe application of rare earth nanoparticles in field of neurology.

Novel insights into cuproptosis inducers and inhibitors

Cuproptosis is a new pattern of Cu-dependent cell death distinct from classic cell death pathways and characterized by aberrant lipoylated protein aggregation in TCA cycle, Fe-S cluster protein loss, HSP70 elevation, proteotoxic and oxidative stress aggravation. Previous studies on Cu homeostasis and Cu-induced cell death provide a great basis for the discovery of cuproptosis. It has gradually gathered enormous research interests and large progress has been achieved in revealing the metabolic pathways and key targets of cuproptosis, due to its role in mediating some genetic, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and tumoral diseases. In terms of the key targets in cuproptosis metabolic pathways, they can be categorized into three types: oxidative stress, mitochondrial respiration, ubiquitin-proteasome system. And strategies for developing cuproptosis inducers and inhibitors involved in these targets have been continuously improved. Briefly, based on the essential cuproptosis targets and metabolic pathways, this paper classifies some relevant inducers and inhibitors including small molecule compounds, transcription factors and ncRNAs with the overview of principle, scientific and medical application, in order to provide reference for the cuproptosis study and target therapy in the future.

Rhomboid-like 2 correlated with TME infiltration inhibits cuproptosis-related genes and drives malignant phenotype in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

The crosstalk between cuproptosis and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is vital during clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) malignant progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulate this cross-talk remain elusive. Through tailored machine learning, we analyze clinical ccRCC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore the critical factors that regulate the interaction among cuproptosis, TIME, and tumor progression. We found that rhomboid-like 2 (RHBDL2), critical gene affecting this process, might inhibit cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and promotes ccRCC progression through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Next, knocking down RHBDL2 expression increased the cuproptosis-related genes ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and lipoic acid synthase (LIAS) levels but reduced forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) levels and tumor growth in vivo and in vitro models. By employing HLY78, Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator, we rescued the expression of CRGs and the malignant proliferation and metastasis capacity in ccRCC cells with RHBDL2 knockdown. Mechanistically, RHBDL2 inhibits cuproptosis and promotes malignant progression of ccRCC through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Abnormal RHBDL2 expression may cause the suppressive TIME formation by regulating Treg-cell infiltration, thus triggering immune escape. In summary, our results indicated that RHBDL2 is an oncogene that induces tumorigenesis and targeting RHBDL2 may be novel therapeutic direction for metastatic ccRCC.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived FGF7 Promotes Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression and Macrophage Infiltration

As the predominant stromal cells in the ccRCC surrounding environment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been established as supportive of tumor growth. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the supporting role of CAFs in ccRCC have not been well characterized. Evidence from the clustering consensus analysis, single-cell analysis, and the experimental results illustrate that CAF-derived FGF7 plays a crucial role as a signaling mediator between CAFs and ccRCC tumor cells. Mechanistically, CAF-derived FGF7 triggers AKT activation to promote cell growth and cell invasion of ccRCC tumor cells. As a response, ccRCC tumor cells stimulate STAT3-mediated transcriptional regulation, directly increasing FGF7 expression at the chromatin level in CAFs. Moreover, there exists a positive clinical correlation between the abundance of CAFs, FGF7 expression, and the infiltration of M2 type macrophages. The RENCA in vivo mouse model also confirmed that FGF7 depletion could impede RCC development by reducing the recruitment of M2 type macrophages. Overall, this study delineates a key signaling axis governing the crosstalk between CAFs and ccRCC tumor cells, highlighting FGF7 as a promising therapeutic target of ccRCC.

Cuproptosis in microsatellite stable colon cancer cells affects the cytotoxicity of CD8+T through the WNT signaling pathway

The microsatellite stable (MSS) colon cancer (CC) has long been considered resistant to immunotherapy. Cuproptosis, as a novel form of cell death, may interact with tumor immunity. This project focused on the impact of cuproptosis on the cytotoxicity of CD8+T in MSS CC, aiming to provide effective clues for improving the treatment strategy of MSS CC. The study developed an MSS CC cuproptosis model using 50 nM elesclomol and 1 μM CuCl2. Cuproptotic SW480 cells were directly co-cultured with CD8+ T cells. Cuproptosis levels were assessed via intracellular copper ion detection, Western blot, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. CCK-8, Hochest/PI staining, CFSE cell proliferation assay, LDH cytotoxicity detection, and ELISA were used to evaluate CD8+ T cell immune activity and cytotoxicity. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified regulated signals in cuproptotic SW480 cells. A rescue experiment utilized a WNT pathway activator (BML-284). PD-L1 expression in cells/membranes was analyzed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry. NSG mice were immunoreconstituted, and the effects of cuproptosis on immune infiltration and cancer progression in MSS CC mice were assessed using ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Treatment with 50 nM elesclomol and 1 μM CuCl2 significantly increased cuproptosis in SW480 cells. Co-culture with CD8+ T cells enhanced their cytotoxicity. Sequencing revealed cuproptosis-mediated modulation of immune and inflammatory pathways, including WNT signaling. Rescue experiments showed downregulation of WNT signaling in cuproptotic SW480 cells. Indirectly, CD8+ T cell immune function was enhanced by reducing PD-L1 expression. In mice, cuproptosis resulted in increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue, leading to delayed cancer progression compared to the control group. Cuproptosis in MSS CC cells enhances the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells, which may be achieved through downregulation of the WNT signaling pathway and decreased expression of PD-L1. In the future, drugs that can induce cuproptosis may be a promising approach to improve MSS CC immunotherapy.

Copper homeostasis and copper-induced cell death in tumor immunity: implications for therapeutic strategies in cancer immunotherapy

Copper is an important trace element for maintaining key biological functions such as cellular respiration, nerve conduction, and antioxidant defense. Maintaining copper homeostasis is critical for human health, and its imbalance has been linked to various diseases, especially cancer. Cuproptosis, a novel mechanism of copper-induced cell death, provides new therapeutic opportunities for metal ion regulation to interact with cell fate. This review provides insights into the complex mechanisms of copper metabolism, the molecular basis of cuproptosis, and its association with cancer development. We assess the role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) associated with tumorigenesis, their importance as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets, and the impact of copper homeostasis on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune response. Ultimately, this review highlights the complex interplay between copper, cuproptosis, and cancer immunotherapy.

[The advancement of cuproptosis in hematological tumors]

Cuproptosis is a type of independent cell death form, that differs from apoptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. It is mediated by Copper (Cu), and mainly affects the lipoylation of proteases in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and exhibits cytotoxicity through oligomerization; however, its specific mechanism, signal transduction process and regulation mode are still not clear. Mitochondria affect the sensitivity of cells to copper toxicity and play a central role in the occurrence and development of copper-related death. In recent years, though hematological tumors have achieved better remission through targeted therapy and immunotherapy, they are associated with high recurrence rates and poor prognoses. It is therefore imperative to find better prognostic indicators and new treatment ideas. This paper summarizes the interaction between Cu and mitochondria in the development of tumors and provides ideas for further exploration of the mechanism of copper death and coping with hematological tumors.

Non-coding transcriptome profiles in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urological malignancy with an increasing incidence. The development of molecular biomarkers that can predict the response to treatment and guide personalized therapy selection would substantially improve patient outcomes. Dysregulation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of ccRCC. Thus, an increasing number of studies are being carried out with a focus on the identification of ncRNA biomarkers in ccRCC tissue samples and the connection of these markers with patients' prognosis, pathological stage and grade (including metastatic potential), and therapy outcome. RNA sequencing analysis led to the identification of several ncRNA biomarkers that are dysregulated in ccRCC and might have a role in ccRCC development. These ncRNAs have the potential to be prognostic and predictive biomarkers for ccRCC, with prospective applications in personalized treatment selection. Research on ncRNA biomarkers in ccRCC is advancing, but clinical implementation remains preliminary owing to challenges in validation, standardization and reproducibility. Comprehensive studies and integration of ncRNAs into clinical trials are essential to accelerate the clinical use of these biomarkers.

Cuproptosis related ceRNA axis AC008083.2/miR-142-3p promotes the malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through STRN3

Background

CeRNA axis is an important way to regulate the occurrence and development of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Although the research on inducing cuproptosis of tumor cells is in the early stage of clinical practice, its mechanism of action is still of great significance for tumor treatment, including NPC. However, the regulation mechanism of cuproptosis in NPC by ceRNA network remains unclear.

Methods

The ceRNA network related to the survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma related genes was constructed by bioinformatics. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and other experiments were used to prove the conclusion.

Results

Our findings indicate that the AC008083.2/miR-142-3p axis drives STRN3 to promote the malignant progression of NPC. By performing enrichment analysis and phenotypic assays, we demonstrated that the changes in the expressions of AC008083.2/miR-142-3p/NPC can affect the proliferation of NPC. Mechanistically, luciferase reporter gene assays suggested that AC008083.2 acts as a ceRNA of miR-142-3p to regulate the content of STRN3. Furthermore, the regulations of STRN3 and the malignant progression of NPC by AC008083.2 depends on miR-142-3p to some extent.

Conclusions

Our study reveals an innovative ceRNA regulatory network in NPC, which can be considered a new potential target for diagnosing and treating NPC.

Mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relevance to distinct diseases

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.

Cuproptosis, the novel type of oxidation-induced cell death in thoracic cancers: can it enhance the success of immunotherapy?

Copper is an important metal micronutrient, required for the balanced growth and normal physiological functions of human organism. Copper-related toxicity and dysbalanced metabolism were associated with the disruption of intracellular respiration and the development of various diseases, including cancer. Notably, copper-induced cell death was defined as cuproptosis which was also observed in malignant cells, representing an attractive anti-cancer instrument. Excess of intracellular copper leads to the aggregation of lipoylation proteins and toxic stress, ultimately resulting in the activation of cell death. Differential expression of cuproptosis-related genes was detected in normal and malignant tissues. Cuproptosis-related genes were also linked to the regulation of oxidative stress, immune cell responses, and composition of tumor microenvironment. Activation of cuproptosis was associated with increased expression of redox-metabolism-regulating genes, such as ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS), lipoyltransferase 1 (LIPT1), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), drolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit alpha 1 (PDHA1), and pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta (PDHB)). Accordingly, copper-activated network was suggested as an attractive target in cancer therapy. Mechanisms of cuproptosis and regulation of cuproptosis-related genes in different cancers and tumor microenvironment are discussed in this study. The analysis of current findings indicates that therapeutic regulation of copper signaling, and activation of cuproptosis-related targets may provide an effective tool for the improvement of immunotherapy regimens.

MicroRNA-21 in urologic cancers: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications

The three most common kinds of urologic malignancies are prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer, which typically cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Early detection and effective treatment are essential due to their high fatality rates. As a result, there is an urgent need for innovative research to improve the clinical management of patients with urologic cancers. A type of small noncoding RNAs of 22 nucleotides, microRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known for their important roles in a variety of developmental processes. Among these, microRNA-21 (miR-21) stands out as a commonly studied miRNA with implications in tumorigenesis and cancer development, particularly in urological tumors. Recent research has shed light on the dysregulation of miR-21 in urological tumors, offering insights into its potential as a prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic tool. This review delves into the pathogenesis of miR-21 in prostate, bladder, and renal cancers, its utility as a cancer biomarker, and the therapeutic possibilities of targeting miR-21.

Butyrate inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of breast cancer cells by facilitating cuproptosis-associated gene expression

BACKGROUND

Butyrate is a common short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and it has been demonstrated to regulate the development of breast cancer (BC), while the underlying mechanism is still unreported.

METHODS

Gas chromatography was used to measure the amounts of SCFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in the feces. Cell viability was measured by the CCK-8 assay. The wound healing assay demonstrated cell migration, and the transwell assay demonstrated cell invasion. The levels of protein and gene were determined by western blot assay and RT-qPCR assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The levels of SCFA were lower in the faecal samples from BC patients compared to control samples. In cellular experiments, butyrate significantly suppressed the cell viability, migration and invasion of T47D in a dose-dependent manner. In animal experiments, butyrate effectively impeded the growth of BC tumors. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) was highly expressed in the tumors from BC patients. Butyrate inhibited the expression of TLR4. In addition, butyrate promoted the expression of cuproptosis-related genes including PDXK (pyridoxal kinase) and SLC25A28 (solute carrier family 25 member 28), which was lowly expressed in BC tumors. Importantly, overexpression of TLR4 can reverses the promotion of butyrate to PDXK and SLC25A28 expression and the prevention of butyrate to the malignant biological behaviors of T47D cells.

CONCLUSION

In summary, butyrate inhibits the development of BC by facilitating the expression of PDXK and SLC25A28 through inhibition of TLR4. Our investigation first identified a connection among butyrate, TLR4 and cuproptosis-related genes in BC progression. These findings may provide novel target for the treatment of BC.

Retinoic acid mitigates the NSC319726-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction through cuproptosis-independent mechanisms

Copper ionophore NSC319726 has attracted researchers' attention in treating diseases, particularly cancers. However, its potential effects on male reproduction during medication are unclear. This study aimed to determine whether NSC319726 exposure affected the male reproductive system. The reproductive toxicity of NSC319726 was evaluated in male mice following a continuous exposure period of 5 weeks. The result showed that NSC319726 exposure caused testis index reduction, spermatogenesis dysfunction, and architectural damage in the testis and epididymis. The exposure interfered with spermatogonia proliferation, meiosis initiation, sperm count, and sperm morphology. The exposure also disturbed androgen synthesis and blood testis barrier integrity. NSC319726 treatment could elevate the copper ions in the testis to induce cuproptosis in the testis. Copper chelator rescued the elevated copper ions in the testis and partly restored the spermatogenesis dysfunction caused by NSC319726. NSC319726 treatment also decreased the level of retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10), thereby inhibiting the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid, causing the inability to initiate meiosis. Retinoic acid treatment could rescue the meiotic initiation and spermatogenesis while not affecting the intracellular copper ion levels. The study provided an insight into the bio-safety of NSC319726. Retinoic acid could be a potential therapy for spermatogenesis impairment in patients undergoing treatment with NSC319726.

The copper transporter, SLC31A1, transcriptionally activated by ELF3, imbalances copper homeostasis to exacerbate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through mitochondrial dysfunction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cisplatin chemotherapy, which greatly limits its clinical effect and application. This study explored the function of solute Carrier Family 31 Member 1 (SLC31A1) in cisplatin-induced AKI and its possible mechanism. Mice and HK-2 cells were exposed to cisplatin to establish the in vivo and in vitro AKI models. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. Mitochondrial and oxidative damage was determined by Mito-Tracker Green staining, mtROS level, ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential, MDA content and CAT activity. AKI was evaluated by renal function and histopathological changes. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and caspase-3 expression. Molecule expression was measured by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Molecular mechanism was studied by luciferase reporter assay and ChIP. SLC31A1 level was predominantly increased by cisplatin exposure in AKI models. Notably, copper ion (Cu+) level was enhanced by cisplatin challenge. Moreover, Cu+ supplementation intensified cisplatin-induced cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in HK-2 cells, indicating the involvement of cuproptosis in cisplatin-induced AKI, whereas these changes were partially counteracted by SLC31A1 knockdown. E74 like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3) could directly bind to SLC31A1 promoter and promote its transcription. ELF3 was up-regulated and positively correlated with SLC31A1 expression upon cisplatin-induced AKI. SLC31A1 silencing restored renal function, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in cisplatin-induced AKI mice. ELF3 transcriptionally activated SLC31A1 to trigger cuproptosis that drove cisplatin-induced AKI through mitochondrial dysfunction, indicating that SLC31A1 might be a promising therapeutic target to mitigate AKI during cisplatin chemotherapy.

Bioinformatics analysis highlights CCNB1 as a potential prognostic biomarker and an anti-kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma drug target

Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) is a common urinary tumor that causes lymph node invasion. Once metastatic, the prognosis is poor and there is a lack of effective early diagnostic markers for this tumor. The expression of CCNB1 in KIRP tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas database with or without the genotype-tissue expression database, and a consistent result was obtained in 32 paired tissues. In addition, CCNB1 expression increased remarkably with the progression of the T and M stages. Moreover, using the online HPA database, we verified that the immunohistochemical scores of CCNB1 in KIRP were higher than those in the normal kidney tissues. The higher expression group of CCNB1 showed a worse prognosis in KIRP. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate and multivariate analyses, and construction of the column diagram further illustrated that CCNB1 was an independent prognostic factor for KIRP. Meanwhile, CCNB1 could better predict the 1- and 3-year survival rates of KIRP. Six genes were significantly and positively co-expressed with CCNB1. We also found that the CCNB1 high-expression group was enriched in the ECM_RECEPTOR_INTERACTION and FOCAL_ADHESION pathways. Finally, drug sensitivity analysis combined with molecular docking identified 5 targeting drugs with the strongest binding activity to CCNB1. CCNB1 is a potential and reliable biomarker for KIRP diagnosis and can be used to predict the survival of patients with KIRP. The 5 selected drugs targeting CCNB1 may provide new hopes for patients with KIRP metastasis.

Machine learning-driven prognostic analysis of cuproptosis and disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a step towards precision oncology

Cuproptosis and disulfidptosis, recently discovered mechanisms of cell death, have demonstrated that differential expression of key genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) profoundly influences tumor development and affects their drug sensitivity. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of kidney cancer, presently lacks research utilizing cuproptosis and disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (CDRLRs) as prognostic markers. In this study, we analyzed RNA-seq data, clinical information, and mutation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) on ccRCC and cross-referenced it with known cuproptosis and disulfidptosis-related genes (CDRGs). Using the LASSO machine learning algorithm, we identified four CDRLRs-ACVR2B-AS1, AC095055.1, AL161782.1, and MANEA-DT-that are strongly associated with prognosis and used them to construct a prognostic risk model. To verify the model's reliability and validate these four CDRLRs as significant prognostic factors, we performed dataset grouping validation, followed by RT-qPCR and external database validation for differential expression and prognosis of CDRLRs in ccRCC. Gene function and pathway analysis were conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) for high- and low-risk groups. Additionally, we have analyzed the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the immune microenvironment (TME), employing the oncoPredict and Immunophenoscore (IPS) algorithms to assess the sensitivity of diverse risk categories to targeted therapeutics and immunosuppressants. Our predominant objective is to refine prognostic predictions for patients with ccRCC and inform treatment decisions by conducting an exhaustive study on cuproptosis and disulfidptosis.

Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis reveals the role of cuproptosis-related gene Ube2d3 in myocardial infarction

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) caused by severe coronary artery disease has high incidence and mortality rates, making its prevention and treatment a central and challenging aspect of clinical work for cardiovascular practitioners. Recently, researchers have turned their attention to a novel mechanism of cell death caused by Cu2+, cuproptosis.

Methods

This study integrated data from three MI-related bulk datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and identified 16 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cuproptosis by taking intersection of the 6378 DEGs obtained by differential analysis with 49 cuproptosis-related genes. Four hub genes, Dbt, Dlat, Ube2d1 and Ube2d3, were screened out through random forest analysis and Lasso analysis. In the disease group, Dbt, Dlat, and Ube2d1 showed low expression, while Ube2d3 exhibited high expression.

Results

Focusing on Ube2d3 for subsequent functional studies, we confirmed its high expression in the MI group through qRT-PCR and Western Blot detection after successful construction of a MI mouse model by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation, and further clarified the correlation of cuproptosis with MI development by detecting the levels of cuproptosis-related proteins. Moreover, through in vitro experiments, Ube2d3 was confirmed to be highly expressed in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated cardiomyocytes AC16. In order to further clarify the role of Ube2d3, we knocked down Ube2d3 expression in OGD-treated AC16 cells, and confirmed Ube2d3's promoting role in the hypoxia damage of AC16 cells by inducing cuproptosis, as evidenced by the detection of MTT, TUNEL, LDH release and cuproptosis-related proteins.

Conclusion

In summary, our findings indicate that Ube2d3 regulates cuproptosis to affect the progression of MI.

Comprehensive analysis of the role of cuproptosis-related genes in the prognosis and immune infiltration of adrenocortical Carcinoma

Background

Cuproptosis is a recently discovered form of nonapoptotic programmed cell death. However, no research on cuproptosis in the context of adrenocortical carcinoma has been conducted, and the prognostic value of assessing cuproptosis remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we established comprehensive models to assess gene expression changes, mutation status, and prognosis prediction and developed a prognostic nomogram for cuproptosis-related genes. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases, an analysis of 11 cuproptosis-related genes was performed. Additionally, a risk scoring method and nomogram were used to assess the relationships among cuproptosis-associated genes, transcript expression, clinical characteristics, and prognosis. The connections among tumors, immune checkpoints, and immune infiltration were also analyzed.

Results

The patterns observed in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma who were assessed using cuproptosis-associated risk scores provide useful information for understanding gene mutations, clinical outcomes, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint analysis results. FDX1, LIPT1, MTF1, COX11, CYP2D6, DLAT, ATP7Band CDKN2A were differentially expressed in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and normal controls. In addition, higher risk scores were significantly associated with poor overall survival and progression-free interval. The nomogram model subsequently developed to facilitate the clinical application of the analysis showed good predictive and calibration capabilities. GSE10927 and GSE33371 were used for independent cohort validation. Moreover, CDKN2A, FDX1, and other cuproptosis-related genes were significantly associated with immune infiltration and checkpoints.

Conclusion

We confirmed that our model had excellent predictive ability in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma. Therefore, an in-depth evaluation of patients using cuproptosis-related risk scores is clinically essential and can assist in therapy in the future.

Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in cancer immunity and therapy

Copper is an essential nutrient for maintaining enzyme activity and transcription factor function. Excess copper results in the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), which correlates to the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, resulting in proteotoxic stress and eliciting a novel cell death modality: cuproptosis. Cuproptosis exerts an indispensable role in cancer progression, which is considered a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Cancer immunotherapy has gained extensive attention owing to breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade; furthermore, cuproptosis is strongly connected to the modulation of antitumor immunity. Thus, a thorough recognition concerning the mechanisms involved in the modulation of copper metabolism and cuproptosis may facilitate improvement in cancer management. This review outlines the cellular and molecular mechanisms and characteristics of cuproptosis and the links of the novel regulated cell death modality with human cancers. We also review the current knowledge on the complex effects of cuproptosis on antitumor immunity and immune response. Furthermore, potential agents that elicit cuproptosis pathways are summarized. Lastly, we discuss the influence of cuproptosis induction on the tumor microenvironment as well as the challenges of adding cuproptosis regulators to therapeutic strategies beyond traditional therapy.

METTL3 promotes non-small-cell lung cancer growth and metastasis by inhibiting FDX1 through copper death-associated pri-miR-21-5p maturation

Objective: We probed into the significance of METTL3 in the maturation process of pri-miR-21-5p. We specifically investigated its impact on the regulation of FDX1 and its involvement in the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) identified NSCLC factors. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP), clonogenic tests and flow cytometry analyzed cells. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) and dual-luciferase studied miR-21-5p/FDX1. Mice xenografts showed METTL3's tumorigenic effect. Results: METTL3, with high expression but low methylation in NSCLC, influenced cell behaviors. Its suppression reduced oncogenic properties. METTL3 enhanced miR-21-5p maturation, targeting FDX1 and boosting NSCLC tumorigenicity in mice. Conclusion: METTL3 may promote NSCLC development by facilitating pri-miR-21-5p maturation, upregulating miR-21-5p and targeting inhibition of FDX1.

Copper-mediated novel cell death pathway in tumor cells and implications for innovative cancer therapies

Previous investigations have unraveled an array of cellular demise modalities, encompassing apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, iron death, and several others. These diverse pathways of cell death have been harnessed as therapeutic strategies for eradicating tumor cells. Recent scientific inquiries have unveiled a novel mode of cell death, namely copper death, which is contingent upon intracellular copper levels. Diverging from conventional cell death mechanisms, copper death exhibits a heightened reliance on mitochondrial respiration, specifically the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Tumor cells exhibit distinctive metabolic profiles and an elevated copper content compared to their normal counterparts. The emergence of copper death presents a tantalizing prospect for targeted therapies in the realm of cancer treatment. Thus, the primary objective of this review is to introduce the proteins and intricate mechanisms underlying copper death, while comprehensively summarizing the extensive body of knowledge concerning its ramifications across diverse tumor types. The insights garnered from this comprehensive synthesis will serve as an invaluable reference for driving the development of tailor-made therapeutic interventions for tumors.

The potential of targeting cuproptosis in the treatment of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the top ten malignancies and tumor-related causes of death worldwide. The most common histologic subtype is kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), accounting for approximately 75% of all RCC cases. Early resection is considered the basic treatment for patients with KIRC. However, approximately 30% of these patients experience recurrence post-operation. Cuproptosis, an autonomous mechanism for controlling cell death, encompasses various molecular mechanisms and multiple cellular metabolic pathways. These pathways mainly include copper metabolic signaling pathways, mitochondrial metabolism signaling pathways, and lipoic acid pathway signaling pathways. Recent evidence shows that cuproptosis is identified as a key cell death modality that plays a meaningful role in tumor progression. However, there is no published systematic review that summarizes the correlation between cuproptosis and KIRC, despite the fact that investigations on cuproptosis and the pathogenesis of KIRC have increased in past years. Researchers have discovered that exogenous copper infusion accelerates the dysfunction of mitochondrial dysfunction and suppresses KIRC cells by inducing cuproptosis. The levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle proteins, lipoic acid protein, copper, and ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) were dysregulated in KIRC cells, and the prognosis of patients with high FDX1 expression is better than that of patients with low expression. Cuproptosis played an indispensable role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment features, tumor progression, and long-term prognosis of KIRC. In this review, we summarized the systemic and cellular metabolic processes of copper and the copper-related signaling pathways, highlighting the potential targets related to cuproptosis for KIRC treatment.

Adrenomedullin/FOXO3 enhances sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting FDX1 expression and cuproptosis

Cuproptosis, a new type of copper-induced cell death, is involved in the antitumor activity and resistance of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Our previous study revealed that adrenomedullin (ADM) was engaged in sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, it has yet to be investigated whether and how ADM regulates sunitinib resistance by cuproptosis. This study found that the ADM expression was elevated in sunitinib-resistant ccRCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, the upregulation of ADM significantly enhanced the chemoresistance of sunitinib compared with their respective control. Moreover, cuproptosis was involved in ADM-regulated sunitinib resistance by inhibiting mammalian ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) expression. Mechanically, the upregulated ADM activates the p38/MAPK signaling pathway to promote Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) phosphorylation and its entry into the nucleus. Consequently, the increased FOXO3 in the nucleus inhibited FDX1 transcription and cell cuproptosis, promoting chemoresistance. Collectively, cuproptosis has a critical effector role in ccRCC progress and chemoresistance and thus is a relevant target to eradicate the cell population of sunitinib resistance.

Post-transcriptional regulation of tumor suppressor gene lncRNA CARMN via m6A modification and miRNA regulation in cervical cancer

PURPOSE

The abnormal regulation of lncRNA CARMN has been proved to be a tumor suppressor gene of cervical cancer (CC). However, its role in CC is still elusive. The regulation of CARMN post-transcriptional level by m6A modification and miRNA has not been studied. This study aims to analyze the molecular mechanism of m6A modification and miRNA on the abnormal expression of CARMN in CC cells, so as to provide a new theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of CC.

METHODS

MeRIP-seq was used to identify the differential m6A-modified genes between tumor and normal cervical tissues. RT-qPCR assay was used to detect gene expression levels in tissues or cells. The m6A modification sites of CARMN was predicted by bioinformatics, and the modification of m6A and its regulatory effect on CARMN were analyzed by MeRIP-qPCR, Actinomycin D assay and RIP assay. RIP-microarray combined with bioinformatics methods to screen miRNAs that may target CARMN. The regulation mechanism between miRNA and CARMN was verified by RT-qPCR, nucleo-plasmic separation assay, mRNA stability assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

MeRIP-seq found that CARMN is a significant different gene in the abundance of m6A in CC, and the modification level of m6A in CC tissues was higher than that in normal cervical tissues. Further, this study verified that m6A reader YTHDF2 could recognize m6A-modified CARMN and promote its degradation in CC cells. miR-21-5p was proved to be the downstream target gene of CARMN, and miR-21-5p could negatively regulate the expression of CARMN. Further experiments showed that miR-21-5p could directly bind to CARMN and lead to the degradation of CARMN. The in vivo experimental results indicated that the level of miR-21-5p in the overexpressed CARMN group was significantly lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSION

m6A modification and miR-21-5p play important roles in promoting the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating CARMN, provide new potential targets for the treatment of CC.

Targeting copper metabolism: a promising strategy for cancer treatment

Copper is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in many physiological processes. However, excessive copper accumulation in cancer cells has been linked to tumor growth and metastasis. This review article explores the potential of targeting copper metabolism as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Excessive copper accumulation in cancer cells has been associated with tumor growth and metastasis. By disrupting copper homeostasis in cancer cells and inducing cell death through copper-dependent mechanisms (cuproplasia and cuprotosis, respectively), therapies can be developed with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The article discusses the role of copper in biological processes, such as angiogenesis, immune response, and redox homeostasis. Various approaches for targeting copper metabolism in cancer treatment are examined, including the use of copper-dependent enzymes, copper-based compounds, and cuprotosis-related genes or proteins. The review also explores strategies like copper chelation therapy and nanotechnology for targeted delivery of copper-targeting agents. By understanding the intricate network of cuprotosis and its interactions with the tumor microenvironment and immune system, new targets for therapy can be identified, leading to improved cancer treatment outcomes. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the significant potential of targeting copper metabolism as a promising and effective approach in cancer treatment, while providing valuable insights into the current state of research in this field.

Micronutrients/miRs/ATP networking in mitochondria: Clinical intervention with ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and calcium burden

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) requires mainly coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), copper (Cu2+), calcium (Ca2+), and iron (Fe2+) ions for efficient ATP production. According to cross-sectional research, up to 50% of patients with micronutrient imbalances have been linked to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced ATP production, and the prognosis of various diseases. The condition of ferroptosis, which is caused by the downregulation of CoQ10 and the activation of non-coding micro RNAs (miRs), is strongly linked to free radical accumulation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The entry of micronutrients into the mitochondrial matrix depends upon the higher threshold level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and high cytosolic micronutrients. The elevated micronutrient in the mitochondrial matrix causes the utilization of all ATP, leading to a drop in ATP levels. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) play a major role in Ca2+ influx in the mitochondrial matrix. The mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is regulated by specific miRs such as miR1, miR7, miR25, miR145, miR138, and miR214, thereby reducing apoptosis and improving ATP production. Cuproptosis is primarily brought on by increased Cu+ build-up and mitochondrial proteotoxic stress, mediated by ferredoxin-1 (FDX1) and long non-coding RNAs. Cu importers (SLC31A1) and exporters (ATP7B) influence intracellular Cu2+ levels to control cuproptosis. According to literature reviews, very few randomized micronutrient interventions have been carried out, despite the identification of a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies. In this review, we concentrated on essential micronutrients and specific miRs associated with ATP production that balance oxidative stress in mitochondria.