The molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relevance to atherosclerosis

Jiankang Wang; Zhian Chen; Hang Shang; Jiajuan Guo

doi:10.17305/bb.2024.11826

Authors

Jiankang Wang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9689-2324
Zhian Chen College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9756-2716
Hang Shang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0420-5273
Jiajuan Guo Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4207-4431

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bb.2024.11826

Keywords:

Cuproptosis, atherosclerosis, AS, copper, tricarboxylic acid cycle, TCA cycle, reactive oxygen species, ROS

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with lipid deposition in the vascular intima. Copper is a vital trace element implicated in the onset and progression of AS. Excessive intracellular copper accumulation induces a unique form of cell death termed “cuproptosis.” The emergence of the concept of cuproptosis has highlighted the potential role of copper in AS. This review explores the regulatory mechanisms of copper metabolism and cuproptosis, summarizes recent findings on the link between copper excess and AS, and examines how cuproptosis may influence AS progression. The goal is to propose novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AS through the lens of cuproptosis.