Cuproptosis: potential new direction in liver-related diseases research and treatment

Cell death is critical for the onset and progression of liver diseases, as well as organismal growth and development. It can be broadly classified into regulated cell death and accidental cell death. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis are metal-dependent cell death processes that play important roles in disease management. Disrupted copper homeostasis, whether due to copper excess or deficiency, is strongly associated with the development of various diseases. Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death characterized by excessive accumulation of copper inside cells. The liver is the primary organ for copper storage. Triggering cuproptosis in liver cells represents an innovative therapeutic strategy to treat liver diseases. This review outlines the cellular and molecular mechanisms and characteristics of cuproptosis and the links of the novel regulated cell death modality with liver-related diseases. We also review the current knowledge on the complex effects of cuproptosis on liver therapeutic strategies. As well as discussing future research directions that may lead to major advances in the prevention, intervention and treatment of liver-related diseases.