Copper: A Cellular Jekyll and Hyde

Copper, a vital trace element in our bodies, plays a key role in energy production and cell repairs. But when copper levels aren't balanced, it can wreak havoc. It triggers oxidative stress and disrupts the energy factories in our cells, leading to severe damage and even cell death. Scientists recently named this type of cell death "Cuproptosis. " It occurs when copper binds to particular sites on proteins, causing them to cluster and setting off a chain reaction of harmful events within cells. Interestingly, copper also activates autophagy, a cellular cleanup process. Autophagy can both shield cells from copper's harmful effects and, in some instances, amplify the damage. This dual role makes autophagy both a savior and a saboteur in the story of copper and cell death. Researchers are investigating how copper disrupts our cells and how autophagy fits into the picture. They are also exploring ways to leverage copper to target cancer cells, offering new avenues for cancer treatment. This new research is providing valuable insights and paving the way for future cancer therapies.