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Wang Y, Tang T, Yuan Y, Li N, Wang X, Guan J. Copper and Copper Complexes in Tumor Therapy. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400060. [PMID: 38443744 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400060] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Copper (Cu), a crucial trace element in physiological processes, has garnered significant interest for its involvement in cancer progression and potential therapeutic applications. The regulation of cellular copper levels is essential for maintaining copper homeostasis, as imbalances can lead to toxicity and cell death. The development of drugs that target copper homeostasis has emerged as a promising strategy for anticancer treatment, with a particular focus on copper chelators, copper ionophores, and novel copper complexes. Recent research has also investigated the potential of copper complexes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqiao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingxi Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Guan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Hu K, Guo J, Zeng J, Shao Y, Wu B, Mo J, Mo G. Current state of research on copper complexes in the treatment of breast cancer. Open Life Sci 2024; 19:20220840. [PMID: 38585632 PMCID: PMC10997149 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0840] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, a malignancy originating from the epithelium or ductal epithelium of the breast, is not only highly prevalent in women but is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Research has indicated that breast cancer incidence is increasing in younger women, prompting significant interest from scientists actively researching breast cancer treatment. Copper is highly accumulated in breast cancer cells, leading to the development of copper complexes that cause immunogenic cell death, apoptosis, oxidative stress, redox-mediated cell death, and autophagy by regulating the expression of key cell death proteins or assisting in the onset of cell death. However, they have not yet been applied to clinical therapy due to their solubility in physiological buffers and their different and unpredictable mechanisms of action. Herein, we review existing relevant studies, summarize the detailed mechanisms by which they exert anti-breast cancer effects, and propose a potential mechanism by which copper complexes may exert antitumor effects by causing copper death in breast cancer cells. Since copper death in breast cancer is closely related to prognosis and immune infiltration, further copper complex research may provide an opportunity to mitigate the high incidence and mortality rates associated with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jingna Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jiemin Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Yunhao Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Binhua Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jian Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Guixi Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
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Li Y, Du Y, Zhou Y, Chen Q, Luo Z, Ren Y, Chen X, Chen G. Iron and copper: critical executioners of ferroptosis, cuproptosis and other forms of cell death. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:327. [PMID: 37974196 PMCID: PMC10652626 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a regulable cell death that involves well-organized signaling cascades and molecular mechanisms. RCD is implicated in fundamental processes such as organ production and tissue remodeling, removing superfluous structures or cells, and regulating cell numbers. Previous studies have not been able to reveal the complete mechanisms, and novel methods of RCD are constantly being proposed. Two metal ions, iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are essential factors leading to RCDs that not only induce ferroptosis and cuproptosis, respectively but also lead to cell impairment and eventually diverse cell death. This review summarizes the direct and indirect mechanisms by which Fe and Cu impede cell growth and the various forms of RCD mediated by these two metals. Moreover, we aimed to delineate the interrelationships between these RCDs with the distinct pathways of ferroptosis and cuproptosis, shedding light on the complex and intricate mechanisms that govern cellular survival and death. Finally, the prospects outlined in this review suggest a novel approach for investigating cell death, which may involve integrating current therapeutic strategies and offer a promising solution to overcome drug resistance in certain diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yuhui Du
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- Basic Science Institute, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Qianhui Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhijie Luo
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yufan Ren
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xudan Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoan Chen
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518055, P.R. China.
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Niu D, Wang D, Fan L, Liu Z, Chen M, Zhang W, Liu Y, Xu J, Liu Y. The copper (II) complex of salicylate phenanthroline inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:1384-1394. [PMID: 36891644 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the antitumor effect and associated molecular mechanisms of the copper (II) complex of salicylate phenanthroline [Cu(sal)(phen)] against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cu(sal)(phen) inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells (HepG2 and HCC-LM9) and induced apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner by upregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The expression of the antiapoptotic proteins survivin and Bcl-2 was decreased, while the expression of the DNA damage marker γ-H2 AX and the apoptotic marker cleaved PARP was upregulated with Cu(sal)(phen) treatment. In vivo, the growth of HepG2 subcutaneous xenograft tumors was greatly attenuated by Cu(sal)(phen) treatment. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression of survivin, Bcl-2, and Ki67 in the tumor was downregulated by Cu(sal)(phen). Toxicity experiments with BALB/c mice revealed that Cu(sal)(phen) is a relatively safe drug. Our results indicate that Cu(sal)(phen) possesses great potential as a therapeutic drug for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqin Niu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Limei Fan
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiran Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan University of Bioengineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunyi Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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Karpagam S, Mamindla A, Kumar Sali V, Niranjana RS, Periasamy VS, Alshatwi AA, Akbarsha MA, Rajendiran V. Folic acid-conjugated mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes as promising cytotoxic agents for triple-negative breast cancers: A case study using MDA-MB-231 cell. Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2021.120729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Jiang Y, Huo Z, Qi X, Zuo T, Wu Z. Copper-induced tumor cell death mechanisms and antitumor theragnostic applications of copper complexes. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:303-324. [PMID: 35060391 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies found that unbalanced copper homeostasis affect tumor growth, causing irreversible damage. Copper can induce multiple forms of cell death, including apoptosis and autophagy, through various mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species accumulation, proteasome inhibition, and antiangiogenesis. Hence, copper in vivo has attracted tremendous attention and is in the research spotlight in the field of tumor treatment. This review first highlights three typical forms of copper's antitumor mechanisms. Then, the development of diverse biomaterials and nanotechnology allowing copper to be fabricated into diverse structures to realize its theragnostic action is discussed. Novel copper complexes and their clinical applications are subsequently described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiyi Huo
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaole Qi
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.,Industrial Technology Innovation Platform, Zhejiang Center for Safety Study of Drug Substances, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Tongmei Zuo
- Industrial Technology Innovation Platform, Zhejiang Center for Safety Study of Drug Substances, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zhenghong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
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Masuri S, Vaňhara P, Cabiddu MG, Moráň L, Havel J, Cadoni E, Pivetta T. Copper(II) Phenanthroline-Based Complexes as Potential AntiCancer Drugs: A Walkthrough on the Mechanisms of Action. Molecules 2021; 27:49. [PMID: 35011273 PMCID: PMC8746828 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper is an endogenous metal ion that has been studied to prepare a new antitumoral agent with less side-effects. Copper is involved as a cofactor in several enzymes, in ROS production, in the promotion of tumor progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and has been found at high levels in serum and tissues of several types of human cancers. Under these circumstances, two strategies are commonly followed in the development of novel anticancer Copper-based drugs: the sequestration of free Copper ions and the synthesis of Copper complexes that trigger cell death. The latter strategy has been followed in the last 40 years and many reviews have covered the anticancer properties of a broad spectrum of Copper complexes, showing that the activity of these compounds is often multi factored. In this work, we would like to focus on the anticancer properties of mixed Cu(II) complexes bearing substituted or unsubstituted 1,10-phenanthroline based ligands and different classes of inorganic and organic auxiliary ligands. For each metal complex, information regarding the tested cell lines and the mechanistic studies will be reported and discussed. The exerted action mechanisms were presented according to the auxiliary ligand/s, the metallic centers, and the increasing complexity of the compound structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Masuri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (E.C.); (T.P.)
| | - Petr Vaňhara
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Maria Grazia Cabiddu
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (E.C.); (T.P.)
| | - Lukáš Moráň
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Havel
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Enzo Cadoni
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (E.C.); (T.P.)
| | - Tiziana Pivetta
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (E.C.); (T.P.)
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