Copper-Based Nanomedicines for Cuproptosis-Mediated Effective Cancer Treatment
Source abstract
Abstract
The recent discovery of cuproptosis, a novel copper-ion-induced cell death pathway, has suggested the novel therapeutic potential for treating heterogeneous and drug-resistant cancers. Currently, copper ionophore-based therapeutics have been designed to treat cancers, utilizing copper ions as a strategic tool to impede tumor proliferation and promote cellular demise. However, limitations of copper ionophore-based therapies include nontargeted delivery of copper ions, low tumor accumulation, and short half-life. Strategies to enhance specificity involve targeting intracellular cuproptosis mechanisms using nanotechnology-based drugs. Additionally, the importance of exploring combination therapies cannot be overstated, as they are a key strategy in improving the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent studies have reported the anticancer effects of nanomedicines that can induce cuproptosis of cancer both in vitro and in vivo. These cuproptosis-targeted nanomedicines could improve delivery efficiency with the pharmacokinetic properties of copper ion, resulting in increasing cuproptosis-based anticancer effects. This review will summarize the intricate nexus between copper ion and carcinogenesis, examining the pivotal roles of copper homeostasis and its dysregulation in cancer progression and fatality. Furthermore, we will introduce the latest advances in cuproptosis-targeted nanomedicines for cancer treatment. Finally, the challenges in cuproptosis-based nanomedicines will be discussed for future development directions.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Trace Elements in Health · Metal complexes synthesis and properties · Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
Funding
National Research Foundation of Korea · Korea Institute of Science and Technology
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