As an essential mineral element for the human body, copper (Cu) is necessary for various physiological functions. Excess or deficiency of copper causes cytotoxicity and damages the body. Thus, strict regulatory mechanisms are required to maintain copper homeostasis. Copper correlates closely with many forms of cell death. A recent study found that copper-dependent cell death, known as cuproptosis, is different from all other known forms of cell death. This discovery helps us further understand the role of copper in cytotoxicity. Copper dysregulation occurs in a variety of malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which is the eighth most common malignancy worldwide. This may increase the risk of HNSCC from a population perspective. Further exploring molecular mechanisms of copper in HNSCC will contribute to provide new therapeutic opportunities. Here, the physiological metabolism and functions of copper, as well as copper-related cell death, are reviewed. The study focuses on the research advances of copper in HNSCC, including the epidemiology and molecular mechanisms, as well as therapeutic strategies targeting copper homeostasis.

中文翻译：

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铜相关的细胞死亡以及铜在头颈鳞状细胞癌和治疗策略中的作用

铜（Cu）作为人体必需的矿物质元素，是各种生理功能所必需的。铜过量或缺乏会导致细胞毒性并损害身体。因此，需要严格的监管机制来维持铜的稳态。铜与多种形式的细胞死亡密切相关。最近的一项研究发现，铜依赖性细胞死亡（称为铜凋亡）与所有其他已知形式的细胞死亡不同。这一发现有助于我们进一步了解铜在细胞毒性中的作用。铜失调发生在多种恶性肿瘤中，包括头颈鳞状细胞癌（HNSCC），它是全球第八大常见恶性肿瘤。从人群角度来看，这可能会增加 HNSCC 的风险。进一步探索铜在 HNSCC 中的分子机制将有助于提供新的治疗机会。本文对铜的生理代谢和功能以及与铜相关的细胞死亡进行综述。该研究重点关注铜在HNSCC中的研究进展，包括流行病学和分子机制，以及针对铜稳态的治疗策略。