Scholarlink

<p>Groups 8, 11, and 12 of the periodic table contain several biologically relevant trace elements, among which iron, copper, and zinc play critical roles in numerous cellular processes, including oxygen homeostasis, enzymatic activity, mitochondrial metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, DNA synthesis, and gene expression. These elements are essential for maintaining cellular physiology; however, disturbances in their homeostasis can trigger a cascade of molecular events within the tissue microenvironment.This review highlights the interconnected regulatory pathways of iron, copper, and zinc and discusses their dual roles in cancer biology, functioning both as promoters of tumour progression and as mediators of tumour suppression. We further examine the mechanisms through which metal dysregulation contributes to cellular toxicity, oxidative stress, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. In addition, emerging therapeutic strategies targeting metal homeostasis are discussed, including approaches aimed at modulating metal overload, deficiency, and metal-dependent signalling pathways.By integrating current knowledge on the biological roles and pathological consequences of trace metal imbalance, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on how metal dyshomeostasis contributes to cancer development and highlights the potential of metal-targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer management.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Crossroads of iron, copper, and zinc in cancer: a paradox of toxicity and therapy

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月17日

查看全文
  • Pallavi Thakur,
  • Trupti N. Patel

摘要

Groups 8, 11, and 12 of the periodic table contain several biologically relevant trace elements, among which iron, copper, and zinc play critical roles in numerous cellular processes, including oxygen homeostasis, enzymatic activity, mitochondrial metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, DNA synthesis, and gene expression. These elements are essential for maintaining cellular physiology; however, disturbances in their homeostasis can trigger a cascade of molecular events within the tissue microenvironment.This review highlights the interconnected regulatory pathways of iron, copper, and zinc and discusses their dual roles in cancer biology, functioning both as promoters of tumour progression and as mediators of tumour suppression. We further examine the mechanisms through which metal dysregulation contributes to cellular toxicity, oxidative stress, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. In addition, emerging therapeutic strategies targeting metal homeostasis are discussed, including approaches aimed at modulating metal overload, deficiency, and metal-dependent signalling pathways.By integrating current knowledge on the biological roles and pathological consequences of trace metal imbalance, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on how metal dyshomeostasis contributes to cancer development and highlights the potential of metal-targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer management.