1686-Copper-Induced MYH9 Polymerization Executes Cuproptosis

Paper Talk · Oct 18, 2026 · 25m

Recent scientific findings identify myosin heavy-chain 9 (MYH9) as a crucial executive protein that drives cuproptosis, a specialized form of copper-dependent cell death. When cells experience copper overload, the mitochondrial enzyme DLAT translocates to the cytosol and acetylates MYH9, which facilitates copper binding and triggers MYH9 polymerization. This polymerization subsequently collapses the actin cytoskeleton, causing cells to contract into spherical shapes and undergo rapid destruction. While traditional copper ionophores mobilize exogenous copper to induce this pathway, researchers…