Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis: Unveiling Pathways and Translational Prospects

In the realm of cellular biology, programmed cell death (PCD) stands as a pivotal process governing the elimination of cells, thereby maintaining tissue homeostasis and ensuring an organism's health and survival. Through a regulated mechanism, cells are systematically dismantled and removed, preventing the onset of detrimental conditions. Intriguingly, various modalities of programmed cell death have been delineated, each with unique mechanisms and regulatory pathways. Among these, ferroptosis and cuproptosis have recently captured the scientific gaze due to their distinctive modalities and potential implications in disease modulation. Ferroptosis is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, culminating in cell death, whereas cuproptosis is characterized by copper-triggered cellular stress. The nuanced understanding of these processes not only unveils the intricate cellular demise orchestration but also presents a fertile ground for therapeutic interventions. The impact of ferroptosis and cuproptosis on diseases is profound. For instance, ferroptosis has been implicated in various pathological conditions including cancer, neurodegeneration, skeletal muscle injury, inflammatory diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and various types of liver diseases. On the other hand, the exploration of cuproptosis is nascent but promising, with potential links to neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. These insights are not merely academic; they open avenues for the development of innovative treatment modalities. By modulating the pathways leading to ferroptosis or cuproptosis, it might be possible to ameliorate or even reverse certain disease states. Furthermore, the translational prospects of understanding ferroptosis and cuproptosis extend beyond clinical applications. In the industrial realm, insights from cell death mechanisms could be harnessed for the development of bio-inspired materials or processes. For example, the controlled breakdown processes that characterize cell death might inform the development of cutting-edge materials that possess self-repairing or autonomous assembling capabilities, revolutionizing fields such as nanotechnology, materials science, and biotechnology. In summary, the exploration of ferroptosis and cuproptosis holds a promise of not only advancing our comprehension of cellular biology but also bridging the chasm between fundamental research and real-world applications.

This research topic aims to delve into the intricate pathways of ferroptosis and cuproptosis, elucidating their roles in disease modulation and potential therapeutic applications. By exploring these unique forms of programmed cell death, the research seeks to answer critical questions regarding their mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and implications in various diseases. The objective is to test hypotheses related to the modulation of these pathways and their potential to ameliorate or reverse disease states. Additionally, the research aims to explore the translational prospects of these processes in developing innovative treatment modalities and bio-inspired materials.

To gather further insights in the complex interplay of ferroptosis and cuproptosis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanistic studies of ferroptosis and cuproptosis pathways.
- The role of ferroptosis and cuproptosis in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis and cuproptosis.
- The impact of metal ions in cellular stress and death.
- Translational applications of cell death mechanisms in biotechnology and materials science.
- Comparative studies of different programmed cell death modalities.
- Innovations in bio-inspired materials informed by cell death processes.