Copper is a key bio-inorganic element that plays important functions in many processes in vertebrates. Studies have shown elevated serum and tumor copper levels in numerous cancers. The excess copper results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may be involved in the progression of cancer through inducing DNA damage.
Copper homeostasis is a tightly controlled process. The absorption of copper from dietary intake through the serum and into cells depends on various transporters. There are several copper chaperones designed to stabilize or traffic copper to specific target enzymes or sub-cellular compartments. These regulators of copper homeostasis are considered as potential targets for anticancer therapy.
It has been shown that copper chelators reduce tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in animal models, but further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits. Copper chelation-mediated tumor suppression may be associated with inhibition of crucial copper-dependent proteins/enzymes, but the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Another potential therapeutic approach is to utilize copper ionophores to increase intracellular copper, or use copper complexes/copper nanoparticles to trigger cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that copper complexes can target several key players in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, the antitumor mechanisms of copper-dependent agents remain to be characterized in depth.
The aim of this Research Topic is to cover novel insights at the interface between the chemistry/biochemistry of copper and cancer.
Authors should contribute to one or more specific themes listed below:
• Copper chemistry and oncological applications
o Design, synthesis and characterization of new copper-based anticancer agents
o Mechanisms of action of copper-based agents
o Design and preparation of copper nanoparticles
o New imaging/theragnostic systems
o Inhibition of copper trafficking by therapeutics (e.g., platinum-based drugs)
• Copper biochemistry
o Copper homeostasis
o Copper transporters
o Copper-dependent enzymes
o Copper’s role or copper-based agents in cancer stem cells
• Copper and cancer pathophysiology
o Copper-induced oxidative stress in cancer
o Drug repurposing as copper-dependent anticancer agents
o Clinical translation of copper-based agents
o Copper-chelating agents in cancer therapy
Authors should contribute research papers, full-length reviews or well-focused mini-reviews. A list of accepted article types including descriptions can be found at this
link.