Figure 2.

Diagram of a proposed copper-targeting therapeutic strategy. Cancer cells contain high levels of copper compared to normal cells. Upon treatment with a copper-binding ligand, a proteasome inhibiting copper complex will be formed. Only a minimal amount of complex should be formed in normal cells, therefore making them resistant to proteasome inhibition. In contrast, cancer cells may have a high dose of complex formed and are thus sensitive to proteasome inhibition, resulting in apoptosis. Copper forms the basis of the selection criteria between normal and tumor cells.