Cuproptosis and its application in different cancers: an overview.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Heavy metal ions are vital micronutrients for human health and organ function.
• Imbalances in metal ions can trigger cell death pathways like ferroptosis.
• Cuproptosis, a newly identified copper-dependent cell death, is emerging as a significant factor in cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the mechanism of cuproptosis.
• To establish a prognostic model and risk score for uveal melanoma based on cuproptosis.
• To review the role of cuproptosis in various cancers and explore copper ionophore-based therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on cuproptosis mechanisms and cancer implications.
• Development of a prognostic model and risk score for uveal melanoma using cuproptosis-related data.
• Analysis of existing research on copper ionophores in cancer treatment.

Main Results:

• Cuproptosis is implicated in the diagnosis, prognosis, and immune microenvironment of various tumors.
• A prognostic model and risk score for uveal melanoma were established based on cuproptosis.
• Copper ionophores show potential in targeting cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Cuproptosis offers new insights into cancer biology and progression.
• The study provides a framework for understanding cuproptosis in uveal melanoma and other cancers.
• Copper ionophores represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, warranting further investigation.