CuET, a metabolite of Disulfiram, is a cuproptosis and ferroptosis inducer with anti-tumor activity. CuET interacts directly with polyunsaturated phospholipids to generate free radicals, leading to lipid peroxidation. CuET induces cuproptosis via excessive copper accumulation, leading to lipoylated protein aggregation and iron-sulfur cluster protein loss. CuET induces ferroptosis via a copper-triggered, radical-dependent pathway with limited dependence on iron accumulation, and alters lipid composition to sensitize cells to peroxidative damage. CuET increases intracellular ROS and MDA levels in cancer cells. CuET exhibits anti-tumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. CuET can be used for the research of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer.
