查找使用阿拉丁产品的科研文献

Polystyrene nanoplastics carrying copper ion induce FDX1-mediated cuproptosis

Huiqi Li,Qizhuan Lin,Huanpeng Liu,Zheyan Chen,Xueliang Zhang,Liyuan Jin,Renyi Peng,Huanzhi Jin

Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and copper ions (Cu²⁺) are common environmental pollutants, yet their combined toxicological effects remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that PS-NPs act as carriers of Cu²⁺, facilitating intracellular accumulation and inducing cuproptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death. Using zebrafish larvae and Hep G2 cells, we showed that co-exposure to PS-NPs and Cu²⁺ disrupted copper homeostasis, promoted DLAT oligomerization, impaired mitochondrial structure and function, and activated the cuproptosis pathway. Molecular docking revealed stable binding of PS-NPs and Cu²⁺ to the key regulator FDX1, further aggravating cuproptosis. FDX1 overexpression experiments confirmed its pivotal role, as enhanced expression significantly increased DLAT aggregation and cell death. This study is the first to reveal the molecular mechanism by which PS-NPs mediate FDX1-dependent cuproptosis via a “Trojan horse” effect. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of nanoplastics–heavy metal co-exposure and offer a potential molecular target for mitigating environmental toxicity.

Precision targeted melanoma therapy via cuproptosis/chemodynamic and chemotherapy: An engineering MCHS-CuMOF nanodelivery system

Yixun Zhang,Wenjie Xie,Jinchuang Li,Zhenguo Liang,Xin Zhou,Zeheng Tan,Zhenjie Wu,Jundong Lin,Yangjia Zhuo,Fen Zou,Biyan Wen,Jianwei Chen,Shanghua Cai,Jianheng Ye,Yingke Liang,Jianming Lu,Huikang Yang,Weide Zhong,Ronghua Yang

Melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, continues to challenge current therapeutic modalities due to its resistance and high mortality rates. Recent advancements highlight cuproptosis, a copper-driven form of programmed cell death, as a promising target for melanoma treatment. This study integrated machine learning and large-scale genomic data to identify FDX1 as a pivotal gene in cuproptosis-related pathways for melanoma. We developed a novel nanomedicine, ACM@MCHS-CuMOF@Dox, combining Mesoporous Carbon Hollow Spheres (MCHS) loaded with Copper-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (CuMOFs) and Doxorubicin (Dox), to exploit this discovery. The nanomedicine leverages a biomimetic approach by incorporating A375 cell membranes, enhancing tumor-targeted delivery. Physicochemical characterization confirms optimal drug loading and pH/GSH-responsive release profiles. In vitro studies demonstrate that ACM@MCHS-CuMOF@Dox inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, outperforming other formulations. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ACM@MCHS-CuMOF@Dox induced robust apoptosis and cuproptosis through FDX1 downregulation, thereby enhancing oxidative stress and therapeutic efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of combining machine learning-driven target identification with advanced nanomedicine for precision melanoma therapy. This approach offers a promising strategy for overcoming current treatment limitations and advancing personalized cancer care.

Punicalagin Targets FDX1 to Induce Cuproptosis for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Yuan-yuan Fang,Si-yi Zhang,Chuan-yu Leng,Jing-Lv,Shu-fen Zhao,Xue-ying Sun,Xin-Li,Yang-yang Lu,Bing-Wang,Wei-wei Qi

Gastric cancer represents the fifth most common malignancy globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Due to its insidious early symptoms and frequent metastasis at diagnosis, the survival rate remains dismal. There is thus an urgent clinical need for novel therapeutic agents. Innovative strategies combining traditional chemotherapy with interventions that induce novel cell death pathways represent a promising translational direction for improving patient outcomes. Punicalagin (PUN), a natural polyphenol derived from pomegranate, exhibits potent antioxidant and broad-spectrum antitumor activities, yet its role in gastric cancer remains understudied. Three gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, HGC27, MFC) and one normal gastric mucosal epithelial cell line (GES-1) were initially selected for in vitro experiments. The effects of PUN on gastric cancer cells and normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells were assessed through MTT assay, propidium iodide (PI) staining, and cell colony formation assays, while cell migration ability was evaluated using a scratch wound healing assay. The inhibitory effect of PUN on gastric cancer was tested in a subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice, with pathological changes in vital tissues and organs observed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing was performed, and JC-1, H2DCFDA, and DHE staining methods were employed to measure mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PUN-treated cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of apoptosis- and cell cycle-related proteins. Next, two gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, HGC27) were selected for in vitro experiments to assess the combined effects of PUN and the copper ionophore elesclomol (ES) (hereafter referred to as ES-Cu, representing the combination of ES and Cu 2+ ). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and morphological changes were observed under a microscope. Cell proliferation and migration abilities were assessed via colony formation and scratch wound healing assays, respectively. Fluorescence staining was used to examine mitochondrial function and ROS levels in cells co-treated with PUN and ES-Cu. Laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting were employed to determine the oligomerization level of DLAT protein by quantifying soluble and insoluble protein expression, along with the expression of ACO2, ETFDH, FDX1, and LIAS proteins. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, immunofluorescence staining, and transfection techniques were utilized to confirm the critical role of FDX1 in copper-induced cell death following co-treatment with PUN and ES-Cu. We found that PUN could suppress the viability, proliferation, and migration of gastric cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Subsequent in vivo experiments demonstrated that PUN inhibited tumor growth in nude mice at a safe dosage. Besides, transcriptome sequencing and Western blot analysis revealed that PUN induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Secondly, the cell death mechanism triggered by PUN was closely associated with mitochondrial stress. PUN increased intracellular ROS levels and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Transcriptome sequencing and proteomic analysis further revealed molecular changes at both the mRNA and protein levels, with differential gene analysis identifying potential targets and pathways. Moreover, when PUN was combined with ES-Cu, cell viability, proliferation, and migration were all suppressed, while exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated oxidative stress. Laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting were used to assess the expression of soluble and insoluble proteins, confirming the oligomerization of the DLAT protein. Western blot also showed that PUN could regulate the expression levels of ACO2, ETFDH, FDX1, and LIAS proteins. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and siRNA transfection were performed to confirm the critical role of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) in copper-induced cell death. Furthermore, when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs, PUN exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects on gastric cancer growth. PUN demonstrates significant antitumor activity both in vivo and in vitro by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, which subsequently triggers apoptosis. In combination therapy strategies, PUN can work synergistically with chemotherapy drugs to suppress gastric cancer growth. Furthermore, PUN enhances its inhibitory effect on gastric cancer by working synergistically with cuproptosis through targeting FDX1.

Mitochondrial uncoupling sensitizes gastric cancer cells to elesclomol-induced cuproptosis via FDX1/DLAT upregulation

Yangyang Lu,Yan Li,Xueying Sun,Xin Li,Shufen Zhao,Yuanyuan Fang,Wensheng Qiu,Cheng Luo,Weiwei Qi

Gastric cancer treatment remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Cuproptosis, a novel form of cell death induced by excessive copper accumulation in mitochondria, is regulated by FDX1 and involves cytotoxic aggregation of lipoylated proteins such as DLAT. Given the markedly elevated copper levels observed in gastric cancer tissues, triggering cuproptosis represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Since cuproptosis strongly relies on active mitochondrial respiration, we hypothesized that mitochondrial uncoupling-which dissociates electron transport from oxidative phosphorylation by dissipating the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, thereby enhancing respiratory activity-could sensitize gastric cancer cells to cuproptosis. In this study, we first established a cuproptosis model in gastric cancer cells using elesclomol combined with copper. We then systematically evaluated the enhancing effect of mitochondrial uncoupling on this process. Using the classical uncoupler FCCP and clinically relevant agents (niclosamide, nitazoxanide, and oxyclozanide), we confirmed mitochondrial uncoupling through membrane potential depolarization, an increased NAD + /NADH ratio, elevated oxygen consumption, and decreased ATP levels. Importantly, mitochondrial uncoupling significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of elesclomol-copper ion treatment in gastric cancer cells, which was closely associated with increased DLAT oligomerization. Mechanistic investigations revealed that mitochondrial uncoupling promotes cuproptosis susceptibility by upregulating DLAT and FDX1 protein expression and remodeling cellular metabolism. In summary, this study highlights the key role of mitochondrial uncoupling in amplifying cuproptosis and proposes a novel combination strategy based on metabolic intervention. These findings offer a new theoretical foundation and potential clinical translation prospects for gastric cancer treatment.

p53 enhances elesclomol-Cu-induced cuproptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma via FDXR-mediated FDX1 upregulation

Xiao Liu,Honglin Qu,Jingmin Li,Xuhong Sun,Zhenlin Wang,Dong Wang,Xianyong Bai,Xiaoyan Li

Background Cuproptosis, a novel cell death pathway mediated by ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and protein lipoylation, has emerged as a valuable target in cancer therapy. Although the findings of previous research have indicated a potential correlation between p53 and cuproptosis, the precise role and underlying mechanisms of p53 in cuproptosis, particularly within the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remain unclear. Methods To evaluate cuproptosis, three HCC cell lines (HepG2, PLC/PRF/5, and Hep3B2.1-7) with distinct p53 statuses were treated with elesclomol-Cu. p53 overexpression/knockdown, siRNA-mediated ferredoxin reductase (FDXR)/FDX1 knockdown, and the p53 activators CP-31398 and nutlin-3 were employed to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms. Cell viability, protein expression [FDX1, dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (DLAT), FDXR], and DLAT oligomerization were assessed via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. A PLC/PRF/5 xenograft mouse model was used to assess combined the therapeutic efficacy of elesclomol-Cu and CP-31398. Results Elesclomol-Cu triggered cuproptosis in HCC cells, as evidenced by a dose-dependent suppression of proliferation, FDX1 upregulation, DLAT oligomerization, and rescue by the copper chelator tetrathiomolybdate (TTM). p53 activation enhanced FDXR expression, promoting FDX1 upregulation and subsequent DLAT oligomerization, thereby sensitizing HCC cells to elesclomol-Cu, whereas FDXR knockdown reversed these effects, demonstrating its role in p53-mediated potentiation of cuproptosis sensitivity. In mutant p53-R249S cells, CP-31398 functioned synergistically with elesclomol-Cu to suppress proliferation. In vivo , elesclomol-Cu and CP-31398 combination therapy significantly reduced tumor growth and Ki67 expression whilst upregulating FDXR levels. Conclusions These findings revealed that p53 enhances elesclomol-Cu-induced cuproptosis in HCC via FDXR-mediated FDX1 upregulation. This study provides mechanistic insights into p53’s role in cuproptosis and may serve as a basis for targeting copper metabolism in therapeutic strategies for HCC.

Precision targeting of FDX1-mediated cuproptosis by a ROS-responsive hydrogel for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury treatment

Jiayi Hu,Xiaoyi Bao,Meihua Ting,Yecheng Tao,Ran Li,Guosheng Fu,Fuyu Qiu,Jing Zhao,Wenbin Zhang

Rationale: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) poses a critical clinical challenge due to intertwined oxidative stress and cuproptosis-driven cell death. Current therapies inadequately address dual-pathology mechanisms (ROS overproduction and copper dysregulation), while conventional drug delivery lacks spatiotemporal precision. Methods: A ROS-responsive hydrogel (OD@G4CAsi-FDX1) was engineered via dynamic Schiff base crosslinking between oxidized dextran (OD) and polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM G4). The hydrogel co-encapsulates antioxidant caffeic acid (CA) and FDX1-targeted siRNA (si-FDX1). In vitro biocompatibility, ROS scavenging, and mitochondrial protection were assessed in primary cardiomyocytes. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a murine MIRI model following intramyocardial hydrogel injection. Cardiac function, infarct size, and molecular markers were analyzed. Results: In vitro , it reduced ROS, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo , it reduced infarct size, suppressed cuproptosis markers, and improved cardiac function. Mechanistically, si-FDX1 blocked DLAT oligomerization, while CA neutralized ROS, synergistically restoring redox homeostasis. This efficacy was enabled by sustained ROS-triggered release. Conclusions: OD@G4CAsi-FDX1 hydrogel dual-targets ROS and cuproptosis via a single injectable platform, overcoming limitations of conventional mono-mechanistic therapies. It demonstrates significant cardioprotection and clinical potential for MIRI management.

NBR1-mediated autophagic degradation of YTHDF1 curtails FDX1 translation to drive concurrent multikinase inhibitor resistance and cuproptosis tolerance

Weikai Wang,Xin Jiang,Xiaona Chen,Kaiyu Liang,Miaoqin Chen,Kaizhong Lu,Qi Wei,Yuchen Wu,Liyuan Zhu,Yuan Chen,Tianlun Hou,Jingfeng Luo,Chentao Li,Xian Wang,Hongchuan Jin,Lifeng Feng

Cuproptosis is involved in decabromodiphenyl ether-induced ovarian dysfunction and the protective effect of melatonin

Ziyan Wang,Wei Zhang,Danyang Huang,Huiwen Kang,Jingyu Wang,Ziyan Liu,Guangyu Jiang,Ai Gao

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) has been universally detected in environmental media and animals, but its damage to ovarian function and mechanism is still unclear, and melatonin has been shown to improve mammalian ovarian function. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of BDE-209 on the ovary and tried to improve ovarian function with melatonin. Herein, BDE-209 was administered orally to female SD rats for 60 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, HE staining, transcriptome analysis, qPCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to explore and verify the potential mechanism. We found that BDE-209 exposure had effects on the ovary, as shown by abnormal changes in the estrous cycle, hormone levels and ovarian reserve function in rats, while increasing the proportion of collagen fibres in ovarian tissue. In terms of mechanism, cuproptosis, a form of cell death, was identified to play a crucial role in BDE-209-induced ovarian dysfunction, with the phenotype manifested as copper salt accumulation in ovary, downregulation of glutathione pathway metabolism and copper transfer molecule ( ATP7A/B ), and upregulation of FDX1 , lipoic acid pathway ( LIAS, LIPT1 ), pyruvate dehydrogenase complex components (DLAT, PDHB, PDHA1 ), and copper transfer molecule ( SLC31A1 ). Furthermore, possible interventions were explored. Notably, a supplement with melatonin has a repair effect on the damage to ovarian function by reversing the gene expression of cuproptosis-involved molecules. Overall, this study revealed that cuproptosis is involved in BDE-209-induced ovarian damage and the beneficial effect of melatonin on ovarian copper damage, providing evidence for the prevention and control of female reproductive damage induced by BDE-209.

4-Octyl itaconate inhibits aerobic glycolysis by targeting GAPDH to promote cuproptosis in colorectal cancer

Wenchang Yang,Yaxin Wang,Yongzhou Huang,Jiaxian Yu,Tao Wang,Chengguo Li,Lei Yang,Peng Zhang,Liang Shi,Yuping Yin,Kaixiong Tao,Ruidong Li

Cuproptosis, a novel copper-induced cell death pathway, is linked to mitochondrial respiration and mediated by protein lipoylation. The discovery of cuproptosis unfolds new areas of investigation, particularly in cancers. The present study aimed to explore the role of cuproptosis in colorectal cancer progression. The genetic alterations of cuproptosis in colon cancer were evaluated using a database. MTT assays, colony formation, and flow cytometry were used to examine the effect of elesclomol-Cu and 4-Octyl itaconate (4-OI) on colorectal cancer cell and oxaliplatin-resistant cell viability. The anti-tumor effect of elesclomol with 4-OI was verified in vivo assay. The results showed that FDX1, SDHB, DLAT, and DLST genes were more highly expressed in normal tissues than those in primary tumor tissues. Patients with high expressions of these genes in tumor tissues had a better prognosis. Using MTT assay and colony formation analysis, elesclomol-Cu pulse treatment showed significant inhibition of cell viability in HCT116, LoVo, and HCT116-R cells. In addition, flow cytometry revealed elesclomol-Cu significantly promoted apoptosis. Tetrathiomolybdate, a copper chelator, markedly inhibited cuproptosis. Subsequently, we found 2-deoxy- D -glucose, a glucose metabolism inhibitor, sensitized cuproptosis. Furthermore, galactose further promoted cuproptosis. Interestingly, 4-OI significantly enhanced cuproptosis which was irrelevant to ROS production, apoptosis, necroptosis, or pyroptosis pathways. Aerobic glycolysis was inhibited by 4-OI through GAPDH, one of the key enzymes of glycolysis, sensitizing cuproptosis. Meanwhile, FDX1 knockdown weakened the ability of 4-OI to promote cuproptosis. In vivo experiments, 4-OI with elesclomol-Cu showed better anti-tumor effects. These results indicated that elesclomol-Cu rapidly halted cell growth in colorectal cancer cells and oxaliplatin-resistant cell line. Importantly, we revealed that 4-OI inhibited aerobic glycolysis by targeting GAPDH to promote cuproptosis.

Enzalutamide Sensitizes Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer to Copper-Mediated Cell Death

Xiang Gao,Haolin Zhao,Jiao Liu,Min Wang,Zhihong Dai,Wenjun Hao,Yanlong Wang,Xiang Wang,Min Zhang,Pixu Liu,Hailing Cheng,Zhiyu Liu

Despite the initial efficacy of enzalutamide in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), inevitable resistance remains a significant challenge. Here, the synergistic induction of copper-dependent cell death (cuproptosis) in CRPC cells is reported by enzalutamide and copper ionophores (elesclomol/disulfiram). Mechanistically, enzalutamide treatment increases mitochondrial dependence in CRPC cells, rendering them susceptible to cuproptosis, as evidenced by specific reversal with the copper chelator tetrathiomolybdate. This susceptibility is characterized by hallmarks of cuproptosis, including lipoylated protein aggregation and iron-sulfur cluster protein instability. Interestingly, the mitochondrial matrix reductase, FDX1, specifically correlates with elesclomol sensitivity, suggesting a potential mechanistic divergence between the two copper ionophores. Notably, this synergistic effect extends beyond in vitro models, demonstrating efficacy in 22Rv1 xenografts, mouse Pten p53 knockout organoids. Importantly, enzalutamide significantly enhances copper ionophore-mediated cytotoxicity in enzalutamide-resistant cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that enzalutamide and copper ionophores synergistically induce cuproptosis, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for CRPC, potentially including enzalutamide-resistant cases.