Focus on cuproptosis: Exploring new mechanisms and therapeutic application prospects of cuproptosis regulation

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology

Background:

• Cuproptosis is a newly identified regulated cell death pathway with significant roles in human health and disease.
• Research on cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) is growing, yet the underlying pathogenesis of cuproptosis-related diseases remains largely unknown.
• A gap exists in literature regarding emerging therapeutic technologies for modulating cuproptosis in disease treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism of copper-induced cell death (cuproptosis) and differentiate it from other cell death pathways.
• To explore the potential link between cuproptosis and diseases such as Wilson's disease and Menkes disease.
• To review diagnostic indicators and therapeutic strategies involving cuproptosis, particularly in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cuproptosis mechanisms, distinguishing it from oxidative stress, glutathione synthesis inhibition, and ubiquitin-proteasome system inhibition.
• Analysis of cuproptosis's role in specific diseases like Wilson's and Menkes disease.
• Compilation of detection indicators and therapeutic applications of cuproptosis, including copper ion chelators, carriers, and nanomaterials.

Main Results:

• Cuproptosis is mechanistically distinct from other cell death pathways.
• Cuproptosis may explain the pathophysiology of certain genetic disorders.
• Diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets related to cuproptosis have been identified, with potential applications in oncology.

Conclusions:

• Cuproptosis is a critical cellular process with implications for various diseases.
• Understanding cuproptosis offers new avenues for disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Copper-based interventions show promise for managing cuproptosis-related conditions and cancers.