Deciphering the Role of Copper Homeostasis in Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cardiology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerosis (AS), is a major global health concern.
• Copper is an essential trace element vital for cardiovascular function; its homeostasis is critical for heart health.
• Disrupted copper balance is linked to CVD development and may trigger a unique cell death pathway, cuproptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the physiological mechanisms of copper homeostasis.
• To explore the interplay between copper balance and AS-related signaling pathways.
• To investigate the novel cell death mechanism, cuproptosis, in the context of AS and CVD.

Main Methods:

• Review of physiological mechanisms of copper homeostasis.
• Analysis of copper's interactions with AS signaling pathways.
• Examination of cell death induced by copper imbalance.
• Summary of associations between copper homeostasis genes and AS.

Main Results:

• Copper homeostasis is crucial for cardiovascular health; dysregulation contributes to CVD and AS.
• Disrupted copper balance can induce a distinct form of cell death, termed cuproptosis.
• Cuproptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis.
• Specific copper homeostasis-related genes are linked to AS development.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining copper homeostasis is essential for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.
• Cuproptosis represents a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
• Therapeutic strategies involving copper balance regulators and nanotechnology show promise for CVD management.