Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis-related genes: Therapeutic perspectives in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

ABSTRACT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Recently, the discovery of cuproptosis, a newly identified mode of cell death, further highlighted the importance of copper in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that liver copper metabolism is closely related to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. However, the relationship between NAFLD and copper metabolism, especially cuproptosis, remains unclear. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of copper metabolism and its dysregulation, particularly the role of copper metabolism dysregulation in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. More importantly, this review emphasizes potential gene-targeted therapeutic strategies, challenges and the future of cuproptosis-related genes in the treatment of NAFLD. This review aims to provide innovative therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.