Deciphering Copper Homeostasis and Cuproptosis: Biological Mechanisms, Disease Connections, and Cutting-Edge Copper-Based Nanomedicine

Copper (Cu), as an essential trace element, participates in various physiological processes through strict homeostatic regulation. Abnormal intracellular copper accumulation can cause multiple forms of copper-dependent cell death (including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and the recently identified cuproptosis) and disrupt cellular functions, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining copper homeostasis. This review aims to outline the connections between the copper homeostatic regulatory network and different copper-dependent cell death pathways, exploring their potential for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. Therefore, this review systematically discusses copper homeostasis, copper-related diseases, copper-dependent cell death, and the associated mitochondria-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, we highlight the implications of various copper-dependent cell death processes in diseases (such as Menkes disease, Wilson disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer), as well as the potential role of copper-induced cellular proliferation (cuproplasia) in tumor progression. As our understanding of copper metabolism regulation deepens, strategies targeting copper-associated cell death, including copper-based nanobiomaterials and targeted drug delivery, show promise as emerging therapeutic approaches for multiple diseases. Future research should further elucidate the links between copper-dependent cell death and disease, not only to understand the underlying mechanisms but also to develop nanomedicine-based interventions, alongside assessments of the feasibility and safety of restoring copper homeostasis in clinical practice.