Copper Drives Remodeling of Metabolic State and Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is a cofactor of cytochrome c oxidase (CuCOX), indispensable for aerobic mitochondrial respiration. This study reveals that advanced clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) accumulate Cu, allocating it to CuCOX. Using a range of orthogonal approaches, including metabolomics, lipidomics, isotope-labeled glucose and glutamine flux analysis, and transcriptomics across tumor samples, cell lines, xenografts, and patient-derived xenograft models, combined with genetic and pharmacologic interventions, we explored the role of Cu in ccRCC. Elevated Cu levels stimulate CuCOX biogenesis, providing bioenergetic and biosynthetic benefits that promote tumor growth. This effect is complemented by glucose-dependent glutathione production, which facilitates detoxification and mitigates Cu–H2O2 toxicity. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics reveal increased oxidative metabolism, altered glutathione and Cu metabolism, and diminished hypoxia-inducible transcription factor activity during ccRCC progression. Thus, Cu drives an integrated oncogenic remodeling of bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and redox homeostasis, fueling ccRCC growth, which can be targeted for new therapeutic approaches. Significance: The work establishes a requirement for glucose-dependent coordination between energy production and redox homeostasis, which is fundamental for the survival of cancer cells that accumulate Cu and contributes to tumor growth.