Research Progress in Copper Homeostasis and Diseases.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Copper is an essential trace element crucial for physiological and biochemical processes.
• Copper dyshomeostasis is implicated in metabolic disorders and diseases, including Menkes syndrome, Wilson's disease, and various cancers.
• Cuproptosis represents a novel mode of regulated cell death distinct from apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis.

Approach:

• This review systematically summarizes the fundamental properties of copper.
• It details diseases associated with copper dyshomeostasis and current treatment strategies.
• The review also covers recent research advancements in understanding cuproptosis.

Key Points:

• Copper's essential role in human physiology and its involvement in biochemical reactions.
• The link between copper dysregulation and diseases such as Menkes syndrome, Wilson's disease, and cancer.
• Cuproptosis as a newly identified cell death mechanism with potential therapeutic implications.

Conclusions:

• Targeting copper metabolism presents a promising new avenue for disease treatment.
• Understanding cuproptosis is critical for developing novel cancer therapies.
• Copper dyshomeostasis is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of several diseases.