基因突变可以改变细胞特性，而非遗传机制可以驱动细胞快速、可逆地适应物理环境的变化，这种现象被称为“细胞状态转变”。金属，特别是铜和铁，已被证明是细胞状态转变的限速催化剂，控制线粒体和细胞核中的关键化学反应，这些化学反应控制着获得不同细胞表型的代谢和表观遗传变化。独立于遗传改变的独特细胞身份的获得是各种生物过程的基本现象，包括发育、炎症、红细胞生成、衰老和癌症。这里描述了与这些金属在细胞可塑性调节中的作用相关的机制，说明了如何利用铜和铁进行治疗干预。版权所有 © 2024 Elsevier Ltd。保留所有权利。

Whereas genetic mutations can alter cell properties, nongenetic mechanisms can drive rapid and reversible adaptations to changes in their physical environment, a phenomenon termed 'cell-state transition'. Metals, in particular copper and iron, have been shown to be rate-limiting catalysts of cell-state transitions controlling key chemical reactions in mitochondria and the cell nucleus, which govern metabolic and epigenetic changes underlying the acquisition of distinct cell phenotypes. Acquisition of a distinct cell identity, independently of genetic alterations, is an underlying phenomenon of various biological processes, including development, inflammation, erythropoiesis, aging, and cancer. Here, mechanisms that have been uncovered related to the role of these metals in the regulation of cell plasticity are described, illustrating how copper and iron can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.