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Huang N, Feng Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Liu L, Zhang B, Zhang T, Su Z, Xue L, Wu ZB. Disulfiram mediated anti-tumour effect in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours by inducing cuproptosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112159. [PMID: 38692018 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Medical treatment plays a critical role in pituitary neuroendocrine tumour (PitNET) treatment. Dopamine agonists and somatostatin receptor agonists are the only known drugs for effectively treating PitNET. Thus, the identification of potential therapeutic targets and drugs is urgently needed. OBJECTIVE To discover potential drugs that can suppress PitNET growth and to further investigate the underlying mechanism involved. METHODS High-throughput drug screening of primary cultures of 17 patient-derived PitNETs was performed to identify potential therapeutic compounds. Cell viability assays, Western blot analysis and flow cytometry were used to investigate pituitary neuroendocrine tumour cell lines and patient-derived PitNET cultures in vitro. In vivo drug efficacy was examined in a mouse xenograft model. RESULTS Seventeen primary PitNET samples were collected for high-throughput drug screening, and a class of copper ionophores that can effectively inhibit cell growth, such as zinc pyrithione, elesclomol, and disulfiram (DSF), was identified. Subsequent experiments initially validated the dose-dependent cell growth-suppressing effect of these copper ionophores on AtT20, GH3, and MMQ cells and several primary PitNET cell lines. Moreover, we confirmed that the cytotoxic effect of DSF depends on the presence of copper. Additionally, we determined that cell death occurs via cuproptosis, with events such as Fe-S cluster protein loss, dihydrolipoyl transacetylase oligomerization and heat shock protein 70 upregulation. Finally, we verified the cytotoxic effects of DSF in vivo. CONCLUSION The present study revealed copper ionophores as a potential class of drugs for PitNET treatment. DSF induced PitNET cell death via cuproptosis and might be a promising option for PitNET therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanting Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Li Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhe Bao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Shen X, Sheng H, Zhang Y, Dong X, Kou L, Yao Q, Zhao X. Nanomedicine-based disulfiram and metal ion co-delivery strategies for cancer treatment. Int J Pharm X 2024; 7:100248. [PMID: 38689600 PMCID: PMC11059435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2024.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a second-line drug for the clinical treatment of alcoholism and has long been proven to be safe for use in clinical practice. In recent years, researchers have discovered the cancer-killing activity of DSF, which is highly dependent on the presence of metal ions, particularly copper ions. Additionally, free DSF is highly unstable and easily degraded within few minutes in blood circulation. Therefore, an ideal DSF formulation should facilitate the co-delivery of metal ions and safeguard the DSF throughout its biological journey before reaching the targeted site. Extensive research have proved that nanotechnology based formulations can effectively realize this goal by strategic encapsulation therapeutic agents within nanoparticle. To be more specific, this is accomplished through precise delivery, coordinated release of metal ions at the tumor site, thereby amplifying its cytotoxic potential. Beyond traditional co-loading techniques, innovative approaches such as DSF-metal complex and metal nanomaterials, have also demonstrated promising results at the animal model stage. This review aims to elucidate the anticancer mechanism associated with DSF and its reliance on metal ions, as well as to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the arena of nanomedicine based co-delivery strategies for DSF and metal ion in the context of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huixiang Sheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xuan Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Longfa Kou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing Yao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Han J, Luo J, Wang C, Kapilevich L, Zhang XA. Roles and mechanisms of copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in osteoarticular diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116570. [PMID: 38599063 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element in the human body that is extensively distributed throughout various tissues. The appropriate level of copper is crucial to maintaining the life activities of the human body, and the excess and deficiency of copper can lead to various diseases. The copper levels in the human body are regulated by copper homeostasis, which maintains appropriate levels of copper in tissues and cells by controlling its absorption, transport, and storage. Cuproptosis is a distinct form of cell death induced by the excessive accumulation of intracellular copper. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis has recently elicited increased attention in the realm of human health. Cuproptosis has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Studies concerning osteoarticular diseases have elucidated the intricate interplay among copper homeostasis, cuproptosis, and the onset of osteoarticular diseases. Copper dysregulation and cuproptosis cause abnormal bone and cartilage metabolism, affecting related cells. This phenomenon assumes a critical role in the pathophysiological processes underpinning various osteoarticular diseases, with implications for inflammatory and immune responses. While early Cu-modulating agents have shown promise in clinical settings, additional research and advancements are warranted to enhance their efficacy. In this review, we summarize the effects and potential mechanisms of copper homeostasis and cuproptosis on bone and cartilage, as well as their regulatory roles in the pathological mechanism of osteoarticular diseases (e.g., osteosarcoma (OS), osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). We also discuss the clinical-application prospects of copper-targeting strategy, which may provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarticular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Han
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China
| | - Jiayi Luo
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China
| | - Cuijing Wang
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China
| | - Leonid Kapilevich
- Faculty of Physical Education, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Xin-An Zhang
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110100, China.
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Feng Y, Yang Z, Wang J, Zhao H. Cuproptosis: unveiling a new frontier in cancer biology and therapeutics. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:249. [PMID: 38693584 PMCID: PMC11064406 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper plays vital roles in numerous cellular processes and its imbalance can lead to oxidative stress and dysfunction. Recent research has unveiled a unique form of copper-induced cell death, termed cuproptosis, which differs from known cell death mechanisms. This process involves the interaction of copper with lipoylated tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, causing protein aggregation and cell death. Recently, a growing number of studies have explored the link between cuproptosis and cancer development. This review comprehensively examines the systemic and cellular metabolism of copper, including tumor-related signaling pathways influenced by copper. It delves into the discovery and mechanisms of cuproptosis and its connection to various cancers. Additionally, the review suggests potential cancer treatments using copper ionophores that induce cuproptosis, in combination with small molecule drugs, for precision therapy in specific cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Feng
- Department of Emergency, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China
| | - Zhibo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, 723000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianpeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266005, Shandong, China.
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Zhang P, Zhou C, Ren X, Jing Q, Gao Y, Yang C, Shen Y, Zhou Y, Hu W, Jin F, Xu H, Yu L, Liu Y, Tong X, Li Y, Wang Y, Du J. Inhibiting the compensatory elevation of xCT collaborates with disulfiram/copper-induced GSH consumption for cascade ferroptosis and cuproptosis. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103007. [PMID: 38150993 PMCID: PMC10788306 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, which is characterized by complicated pathophysiology, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Our previous study has demonstrated that disulfiram (DSF)/Cu could be repurposed for the treatment of HCC by inducing ferroptosis. However, the effectiveness of DSF/Cu may be compromised by compensatory mechanisms that weaken its sensitivity. The mechanisms underlying these compensatory responses are currently unknown. Herein, we found DSF/Cu induces endoplasmic reticulum stress with disrupted ER structures, increased Ca2+ level and activated expression of ATF4. Further studies verified that DSF/Cu induces both ferroptosis and cuproptosis, accompanied by the depletion of GSH, elevation of lipid peroxides, and compensatory increase of xCT. Comparing ferroptosis and cuproptosis, it is interesting to note that GSH acts at the crossing point of the regulation network and therefore, we hypothesized that compensatory elevation of xCT may be a key aspect of the therapeutic target. Mechanically, knockdown of ATF4 facilitated the DSF/Cu-induced cell death and exacerbated the generation of lipid peroxides under the challenge of DSF/Cu. However, ATF4 knockdown was unable to block the compensatory elevation of xCT and the GSH reduction. Notably, we found that DSF/Cu induced the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, promoted the half-life of xCT protein, and dramatically dampened the ubiquitination-proteasome mediated degradation of xCT. Moreover, both pharmacologically and genetically suppressing xCT exacerbated DSF/Cu-induced cell death. In conclusion, the current work provides an in-depth study of the mechanism of DSF/Cu-induced cell death and describes a framework for the further understanding of the crosstalk between ferroptosis and cuproptosis. Inhibiting the compensatory increase of xCT renders HCC cells more susceptible to DSF/Cu, which may provide a promising synergistic strategy to sensitize tumor therapy and overcome drug resistance, as it activates different programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoting Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueying Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiangan Jing
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhuan Shen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanye Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifan Jin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingyan Yu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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