Copper homeostasis dysregulation and cuproptosis in respiratory diseases

Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death, relies on accumulated copper (Cu) ions and a disrupted mitochondrial respiratory chain. The role of cuproptosis in various diseases, especially respiratory diseases of pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, has been increasingly recognized. This article reviews the dysregulation of Cu homeostasis, cuproptosis's molecular mechanisms, and recent research developments in respiratory diseases, while also exploring potential therapeutic targets and clinical applications.