Cuproptosis / Proteotoxic Stress

Cuproptosis is a recently identified form of regulated cell death (RCD) that is uniquely triggered by excessive intracellular copper accumulation. Distinct from other well-known RCD modalities like apoptosis, necroptosis, or ferroptosis, cuproptosis directly impacts mitochondrial respiration and protein homeostasis. While copper is an essential trace element vital for numerous enzymatic functions, including those in mitochondrial respiration, an imbalance leading to its overload can become highly cytotoxic.