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Activity-based sensing reveals elevated labile copper promotes liver aging via hepatic ALDH1A1 depletion

  • Zhenxiang Zhao
  • , Melissa Y. Lucero
  • , Shengzhang Su
  • , Eric J. Chaney
  • , Jiajie Jessica Xu
  • , Michael Myszka
  • , Jefferson Chan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Oxidative stress plays a key role in aging and related diseases, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and organ failure. Copper (Cu), a redox-active metal ion, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and its dysregulation contributes to aging. Here, we develop activity-based imaging probes for the sensitive detection of Cu(I) and show that labile hepatic Cu activity increases with age, paralleling a decline in ALDH1A1 activity, a protective hepatic enzyme. We also observe an age-related decrease in hepatic glutathione (GSH) activity through noninvasive photoacoustic imaging. Using these probes, we perform longitudinal studies in aged mice treated with ATN-224, a Cu chelator, and demonstrate that this treatment improves Cu homeostasis and preserves ALDH1A1 activity. Our findings uncover a direct link between Cu dysregulation and aging, providing insights into its role and offering a therapeutic strategy to mitigate its effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1794
JournalNature communications
Volume16
Issue number1
Early online dateFeb 20 2025
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2025

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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