Organelle-specific regulation of ferroptosis

Potential Crosstalk Between ANXA1+ Epithelial Cells and FABP4+ TAM Cells of Ferroptosis-Related Molecular Clusters Promotes an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) affects tumor initiation, invasion, metastasis, and therapies. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that ferroptosis plays important regulatory roles in tumourigenesis and progression. It is unclear how ferroptosis affects non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression by remodeling the TME. In this study, the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data (85,562 cells, n = 18) were employed to reveal the heterogeneity of ferroptosis activation in NSCLC, and identified six ferroptosis-related molecular clusters. We found that ANXA1+ epithelial and FABP4 + TAM subpopulations were key factors in lung cancer progression and TME remodeling. In addition, the cell-cell communication analysis showed that ANXA1-FPR2/FPR1 receptor-ligand pair contributed to the formation of an immunosuppressive TME. Furthermore, we established a novel signature based on ferroptosis-related molecular clusters, and the risk score model may predict survival and response to immunotherapy. We also found that compared with responder, the expression of ANXA1 and FABP4 is higher in progressor, which indicating a higher expression of ANXA1 and FABP4 was associated with a worse response to immunotherapy. Therefore, we concluded that the molecular clusters associated with ferroptosis served as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for NSCLC patients.

The Efficacy of Ferroptosis Inhibition on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Abdominal Organs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Solid organ transplantation is hampered by complications that arise after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), a detrimental type of injury for which no adequate treatment options are available. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, is a major driver of IRI. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the effects of pharmacological ferroptosis inhibition in abdominal organs in the setting of IRI. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched for concepts "ferroptosis" and "IRI" in August 2023. To allow for meta-analyses, inhibitors were divided into different intervention pathways: (I) lipophilic radical scavengers, (II) iron chelators, (III) antioxidants, (IV) lipid metabolism inhibitors, (V) combination treatments, and (VI) others. When available, organ function and injury effect sizes were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. In total 79 articles were included, describing 59 unique inhibitors in kidney, liver, and intestinal IRI. No studies in pancreas were found. Overall bias and study quality was unclear and average to low, respectively. Apart from 1 clinical study, all inhibitors were tested in preclinical settings. The vast majority of the studies showed ferroptosis inhibition to be protective against IRI under various treatment conditions. In liver and kidney IRI, meta-analyses on standardized effect sizes from 43 articles showed a combined protective effect against IRI compared with a nontreated controls for all analyzed intervention pathways. In conclusion, ferroptosis inhibition protects against abdominal IRI in preclinical research. Important questions regarding optimal intervention pathway, bioavailability, optimal dosage, side effects etc. should be addressed before clinical introduction.

Natural products and ferroptosis: A novel approach for heart failure management

BACKGROUND

The discovery of ferroptosis has brought a revolutionary breakthrough in heart failure treatment, and natural products, as a significant source of drug discovery, are gradually demonstrating their extraordinary potential in regulating ferroptosis and alleviating heart failure symptoms. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have attracted attention as an important source for discovering compounds that target ferroptosis in treating heart failure.

PURPOSE

Systematically summarize and analyze the research progress on improving heart failure through natural products' modulation of the ferroptosis pathway.

METHODS

By comprehensively searching authoritative databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with keywords such as "heart failure", "cardiovascular disease", "heart disease", "ferroptosis", "natural products", "active compounds", "traditional Chinese medicine formulas", "traditional Chinese medicine", and "acupuncture", we aim to systematically review the mechanism of ferroptosis and its link with heart failure. We also want to explore natural small-molecule compounds, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, and acupuncture therapies that can inhibit ferroptosis to improve heart failure.

RESULTS

In this review, we not only trace the evolution of the concept of ferroptosis and clearly distinguish it from other forms of cell death but also establish a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing core mechanisms such as iron overload and system xc-/GSH/GPX4 imbalance, along with multiple auxiliary pathways. On this basis, we innovatively link ferroptosis with various types of heart failure, covering classic heart failure types and extending our research to pre-heart failure conditions such as arrhythmia and aortic aneurysm, providing new insights for early intervention in heart failure. Importantly, this article systematically integrates multiple strategies of natural products for interfering with ferroptosis, ranging from monomeric compounds and bioactive components to crude extracts and further to traditional Chinese medicine formulae. In addition, non-pharmacological means such as acupuncture are also included.

CONCLUSION

This study fills the gap in the systematic description of the relationship between ferroptosis and heart failure and the therapeutic strategies of natural products, aiming to provide patients with more diverse treatment options and promote the development of the heart failure treatment field.

Ferroptosis in immune chaos: Unraveling its impact on disease and therapeutic potential

Since its introduction in 2012, ferroptosis has garnered significant attention from researchers over the past decade. Unlike autophagy and apoptosis, ferroptosis is an atypical iron-dependent programmed cell death that falls under necrosis. It is regulated by various cellular metabolic and signaling processes, which encompass amino acid, lipid, iron, and mitochondrial metabolism. The initiation of ferroptosis occurs through iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation. Notably, ferroptosis exhibits a dual effect and is associated with various diseases. A significant challenge lies in managing autoimmune disorders with unknown origins that stem from the reactivation of the immune system. Two contributing factors to autoimmunity are the aberrant stimulation of cell death and the inadequate clearance of dead cells, which can expose or release intracellular components that activate the immune response. Ferroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, due to its unique morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics and specific relationship with cellular iron levels. Recent studies indicate that immune cells can both induce and undergo ferroptosis. To better understand how ferroptosis influences immune responses and its imbalance in disease, a molecular understanding of the relationship between ferroptosis and immunity is essential. Consequently, further research is needed to develop immunotherapeutics that target ferroptosis. This review primarily focuses on the role of ferroptosis in immune-related disorders.

The Regulation of Trace Metal Elements in Cancer Ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, as novel type of regulated cell death that has garnered widespread attention over the past decade, has witnessed the continuous discovery of an increasing number of regulatory mechanisms. Trace metal elements play a multifaceted and crucial role in oncology. Interestingly, it has been increasingly evident that these elements, such as copper, are involved in the regulation of iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation and antiferroptotic systems, suggesting the existence of "nonferrous" mechanisms in ferroptosis. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the composition and mechanism of ferroptosis is provided. The interaction between copper metabolism (including cuproptosis) and ferroptosis in cancer, as well as the roles of other trace metal elements (such as zinc, manganese, cobalt, and molybdenum) in ferroptosis are specifically focused. Furthermore, the applications of nanomaterials based on these metals in cancer therapy are also reviewed and potential strategies for co-targeting ferroptosis and cuproptosis are explored. Nevertheless, in light of the intricate and ambiguous nature of these interactions, ongoing research is essential to further elucidate the "nonferrous" mechanisms of ferroptosis, thereby facilitating the development of novel therapeutic targets and approaches for cancer treatment.

Glutathione metabolism in ferroptosis and cancer therapy

Glutathione (GSH), a non-enzymatic antioxidant in mammalian cells, plays an essential role in maintaining redox balance, mitigating oxidative stress, and preserving cellular homeostasis. Beyond its well-established function in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH serves as a critical regulator of ferroptosis-an iron-dependent form of cell death marked by excessive lipid peroxidation. Serving as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), GSH catalyzes the conversion of lipid peroxides into non-toxic lipid alcohols, thereby preventing the accumulation of deleterious lipid oxidation products and halting the spread of oxidative damage. In cancer cells, upregulated GSH synthesis and GPX4 activity contribute to an enhanced antioxidant defense, countering oxidative stress provoked by increased metabolic demands and exposure to therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This ability of cancer cells to modulate their ferroptosis susceptibility through GSH metabolism underscores its potential as a therapeutic target. Additionally, GSH influences several key oncogenic and tumor-suppressive signaling pathways, including NFE2L2/NRF2, TP53/p53, NF-κB, Hippo, and mTOR, which collectively regulate responses to oxidative stress, affect metabolic processes, and modulate sensitivity to ferroptosis in cancer cells. This review explores recent advancements in understanding GSH's multifaceted role in ferroptosis, emphasizing its implications for cancer biology and therapeutic interventions.

Porphyromonas gingivalis aggravates alcohol-related liver injury via gut microbiome-HO-1-ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common liver condition caused by long-term alcohol consumption, and its specific molecular mechanism remains unclear. It may be influenced to some extent by ferroptosis and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), which is an important pathogen of periodontitis.

Materials and methods

C57BL/6 J mice and AML12 cells were selected as the study subjects. The periodontitis model was induced using P.g, and the alcoholic liver model was created. Pathological analysis was performed on the liver, intestine, and periodontal tissues. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze changes in the intestinal flora and intestinal gap junction protein (zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin) levels in each group. Ferroptosis indices were detected in the liver tissues and AML12 cells.

Results

Oral exposure to P.g induced mice periodontitis and exacerbated alcohol-related liver injury. Both alcohol and P.g caused intestinal flora disturbance, damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, increased permeability, and activation of mouse hepatocyte ferroptosis. Furthermore, P.g aggravated such alcohol-induced liver damage.

Conclusion

Both alcohol and P.g can lead to intestinal flora disturbance, damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, increased permeability, and the activation of mouse hepatocyte ferroptosis, and P.g can aggravate such alcohol-induced liver damage. Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) play important roles in the exacerbation of alcoholic liver injury by P.g.

Targeting ferroptosis for the treatment of female reproductive system disorders

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a critical factor in female reproductive health and has been implicated in disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer. This review explores the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, emphasizing its reliance on iron metabolism and oxidative stress, which disrupt key processes in reproductive tissues, including granulosa cell function, folliculogenesis, and embryo implantation. Increasing evidence linking ferroptosis to these conditions offers new therapeutic opportunities, with iron chelators, lipid peroxidation inhibitors, and antioxidants showing the potential to alleviate reproductive dysfunction by modulating ferroptotic pathways. In ovarian cancer, ferroptosis inducers combined with conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, provide promising strategies to overcome drug resistance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ferroptosis and highlights its importance as a therapeutic target in reproductive health, emphasizing the need for further research to refine and expand treatment options, evaluate their applicability in clinical settings, and explore their role in fertility preservation. By advancing our understanding of ferroptosis regulation, these therapeutic approaches could lead to novel treatments for reproductive disorders and cancers, offering new hope for improving outcomes in women's health and cancer therapy.

Cell death signaling in human erythron: erythrocytes lose the complexity of cell death machinery upon maturation

Over the recent years, our understanding of the cell death machinery of mature erythrocytes has been greatly expanded. It resulted in the discovery of several regulated cell death (RCD) pathways in red blood cells. Apoptosis (eryptosis) and necroptosis of erythrocytes share certain features with their counterparts in nucleated cells, but they are also critically different in particular details. In this review article, we summarize the cell death subroutines in the erythroid precursors (apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis) in comparison to mature erythrocytes (eryptosis and erythronecroptosis) to highlight the consequences of organelle clearance and associated loss of multiple components of the cell death machinery upon erythrocyte maturation. Recent advances in understanding the role of erythrocyte RCDs in health and disease have expanded potential clinical applications of these lethal subroutines, emphasizing their contribution to the development of anemia, microthrombosis, and endothelial dysfunction, as well as their role as diagnostic biomarkers and markers of erythrocyte storage-induced lesions. Fas signaling and the functional caspase-8/caspase-3 system are not indispensable for eryptosis, but might be retained in mature erythrocytes to mediate the crosstalk between both erythrocyte-associated RCDs. The ability of erythrocytes to switch between eryptosis and necroptosis suggests that their cell death is not a simple unregulated mechanical disintegration, but a tightly controlled process. This allows investigation of eventual pharmacological interventions aimed at individual cell death subroutines of erythrocytes.

Improving ferroptosis-mediated immunotherapy for colorectal cancer through lysosome-targeted photodynamic therapy

Lysosomes is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for improving immunotherapy, which dysfunction would trigger lysosomal membrane permeabilization increase and subsequent leakage of reduced iron, which contributed to ferroptosis through cell-intrinsic Fenton chemistry. However, the integrity of lysosomal membranes is not susceptible to disrupt, owing to the presence of several Endo-lysosomal damage-response mechanisms. Herein, we developed a lysosome-targeted photosensitizer (TLA), which possessed robust light stability, good bio-compatibility, and high photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. Upon internalized by cancer cells, TLA was specifically accumulated in lysosome, and which would destroy the integrity of lysosomal membranes and inhibit protective autophagy upon exposure to light irradiation. Subsequently, the cancer cells were suffered from ferroptosis through triggering cell-intrinsic Fenton chemistry and mitochondrial dysfunction, which would release damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) to induce immunogenic cell death and remodel immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Notably, combined with PD-L1 antibody and TLA could greatly potentiate the immune response and exhibit highest anti-tumor effects. In summary, this novel lysosome-targeted photosensitizer could serve as a promising strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Reprogramming Lung Redox Homeostasis by NIR Driven Ultra-Small Pd Loaded Covalent Organic Framework Inhibits NF-κB Pathway for Acute Lung Injury Immunotherapy

Acute lung injury (ALI) refers to damage to lung related cells, typically caused by an uncontrollable inflammatory response, and over-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increasing evidence suggests that reprogramming lung redox homeostasis holds significant potentials for the clinical treatment of ALI. Herein, the simple synthesis of ultra-small Pd loaded covalent organic framework (COF) (TP@Pd) is reported, which, when combined with near infrared (NIR) irradiation, exhibits nanozyme functionalities, including multiple enzyme mimicking activities and broad spectrum ROS scavenging, thereby promoting tissue repair for ALI immunotherapy. Mechanistically, through the therapeutic strategy of TP@Pd+NIR, the damaged cells and tissues are ameliorated by decreasing intracellular ROS levels (total ROS, ·OH and ·O2 -), downregulating inflammatory cytokines levels (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β), upregulating antioxidant factor level (SOD2), inducing macrophage M2 directional polarization (downregulation of iNOS and CD86, and upregulation of IL-10 and CD206), activating immunoregulation (CD4+/CD8+ ratio increase), promoting tissue repair factor levels (upregulation of HSP70 and CD31), and suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway (downregulation of phosphorylated p65 and IκBα). Furthermore, following intravenous (IV) injection in rats, TP@Pd accumulated in lung tissue for 6 h, indicating the promising therapeutic efficacy via this administration route. Notably, the TP@Pd+NIR strategy demonstrated the excellent synergistic effects in alleviating lung inflammation storms, reducing diffuse alveolar damage, and accelerating lung tissue repair. Summarily, this work has designed a novel TP@Pd+NIR strategy for the synergistic enhancement of ALI amelioration, which may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for other ROS related diseases.

The dynamic role of ferroptosis in cancer immunoediting: Implications for immunotherapy

Currently, cancer immunotherapy strategies are primarily formulated based on the patient's present condition, representing a "static" treatment approach. However, cancer progression is inherently "dynamic," as the immune environment is not fixed but undergoes continuous changes. This dynamism is characterized by the ongoing interactions between tumor cells and immune cells, which ultimately lead to alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment. This process can be effectively elucidated by the concept of cancer immunoediting, which divides tumor development into three phases: "elimination," "equilibrium," and "escape." Consequently, adjusting immunotherapy regimens based on these distinct phases may enhance patient survival and improve prognosis. Targeting ferroptosis is an emerging area in cancer immunotherapy, and our findings reveal that the antioxidant systems associated with ferroptosis possess dual roles, functioning differently across the three phases of cancer immunoediting. Therefore, this review delve into the dual role of the ferroptosis antioxidant system in tumor development and progression. It also propose immunotherapy strategies targeting ferroptosis at different stages, ultimately aiming to illuminate the significant implications of targeting ferroptosis at various phases for cancer immunotherapy.

Targeting mitochondria-regulated ferroptosis: A new frontier in Parkinson's disease therapy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantial nigra. Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial oxidative stress are central to the pathogenesis of PD, with recent evidence highlighting the role of ferroptosis - a type of regulated cell death dependent on iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation. Mitochondria, the central organelles for cellular energy metabolism, play a pivotal role in PD pathogenesis through the production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disruption of iron homeostasis. This review explores the intricate interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis in PD, focusing on key processes such as impaired electron transport chain function, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle dysregulation, disruption of iron metabolism, and altered lipid peroxidation. We discuss key pathways, including the role of glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial ferritin, and the regulation of the mitochondrial labile iron pool (mLIP), which collectively influence the susceptibility of neurons to ferroptosis. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the importance of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, such as mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, in mitigating ferroptosis-induced neuronal death. Understanding these mechanisms linking the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at preserving mitochondrial integrity and preventing neuronal loss in PD.

Insights into emerging mechanisms of ferroptosis: new regulators for cancer therapeutics

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, and therapeutic agents targeting ferroptosis are emerging as promising tools for cancer treatment. Current research reveals that ferroptosis-targeted therapies can effectively inhibit tumor progression or delay cancer development. Notably, natural product-derived compounds-such as artemisinin, baicalin, puerarin, quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin-have demonstrated the ability to modulate ferroptosis, offering potential anti-cancer benefits. Mechanistically, ferroptosis exhibits negative glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) regulation and demonstrates a positive correlation with plasma membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) abundance. Moreover, the labile iron pool (LIP) serves as the redox engine of ferroptosis. This review systematically analyzes the hallmarks, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, with a focus on how natural product-derived small molecules regulate this process. It further evaluates their potential as ferroptosis inducers or inhibitors in anti-tumor therapy, providing a foundation for future clinical translation.

Cell death pathway regulation by fatty acid metabolism-related genes in neuroblastoma: a multi-omics analysis identifying CHD5 as a novel biomarker

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma in children is commonly found as an extracranial solid tumor with poor prognosis in high-risk cases impeding successful treatment. While dysregulated cell death mechanisms and metabolic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer progression, the interplay between fatty acid metabolism and cell death pathway regulation in neuroblastoma remains incompletely understood.

METHODS

Identifying molecular subtypes influenced by fatty acid metabolism were built by consensus clustering analysis. Independent prognostic genes were identified through random survival forest analysis, acquiring a novel risk signature. Risk signatures were validated internally and externally, and their independent prognostic value, immune landscape, and drug susceptibility were explored. The study systematically analyzed correlations between signature genes and seven major cell death pathways (apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, cuproptosis, and disulfidptosis), encompassing over 1,200 genes to comprehensively explore the intricate relationships between these molecular signatures and diverse cell death mechanisms. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to assess pathway-level associations. Utilizing a single-cell dataset of neuroblastoma samples, cells were categorized and labeled based on UMAP analysis. Feature map visualization was employed to display the expression level and allocation of specific genes across various cell populations. Validation of CHD5 expression in NB cells and tissues was confirmed through Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The study identified 42 fatty acid metabolism key enzyme genes whose expression was significantly different within high-risk and non-high-risk neuroblastoma patients, by which acquiring two distinct prognostic clusters associated with fatty acid metabolism. A machine learning approach was used to select 4 hub genes (CHD5, TP63, XKR4, and CTAG1A) for the establishment of a fatty acid metabolism prognostic risk model. Cell death pathway analysis revealed that TP63 exhibited the strongest correlations across multiple death pathways, particularly with necroptosis (r = 0.684, p = 2.80e-23) and pyroptosis (r = 0.647, p = 3.12e-20), while XKR4 showed moderate correlations with autophagy (r = 0.398, p = 2.09e-07) and CHD5 displayed selective associations. High risk score and low risk score groups displayed notable variations in the immune microenvironment, characterized by reduced immune cell infiltration in the high group leading to immune escape, and conversely, heightened responsiveness of the low group to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Single-cell dataset analysis highlighted significant expression of CHD5 in specific cell populations, suggesting its potential as a marker gene for neuroblastoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed varying levels of CHD5 expression across different clinical stages of neuroblastoma, with decreased deposition observed as staging advances. Functionally, CHD5 expression was found to inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of neuroblastoma cells.

CONCLUSION

The developed fatty acid metabolism prognostic risk model underscores the significance of fatty acids in neuroblastoma prognosis and immune landscape, thereby facilitating the optimization of chemotherapy and immunotherapy strategies for this disease. The comprehensive analysis of cell death pathways revealed distinct regulatory mechanisms of signature genes, particularly highlighting TP63's central role in coordinating multiple cell death processes. CHD5, as an identified gene inhibiting the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of neuroblastoma cells, serves as a novel tumor biomarker.

Independent and combined associations of VOCs exposure and MetS in the NHANES 2017-2020

Introduction

As a worldwide public health concern, Metabolic syndrome (MetS) seriously endangers human health and life safety. It`s reported that there is a strong association between chemical pollutants and the development of MetS in recent years. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the primary emission pollutant in atmospheric pollutants, were closely associated with development of chronic diseases. However, the association between VOCs exposure and MetS is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between VOCs and MetS and identify the behavioral patterns in which MetS patients may be exposed to VOCs.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional data analysis from 15,560 VOC-exposed participants in the NHANES. Multivariable logistic regression model, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) regression model were employed to explore chemical exposure`s independent and combined effects on MetS, respectively.

Results

A total of 2,531 individuals were included in our study, of whom 51.28% had MetS and 48.72% were non-MetS. The logistic regression model identified the association between N-acetyl-S-(N- methylcarbamoyl)-L-cysteine (AMCC), N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)-L-cysteine (CEMA), N-acetyl-S-(2- cyanoethyl)-L- cysteine (CYMA) and MetS. In WQS regression analysis, the WQS index was significantly associated with AMCC, trans,trans-Muconic acid (t,t-MA), N-Acetyl-S-(1-cyano-2- hydroxyethyl)- L-cysteine (CYHA), CEMA, 2-Thioxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA), N-acetyl- S-(3- hydroxypropyl-1-methyl)-L-cysteine (HPMM), CYMA, N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine (NADB), and N-Acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-L-cysteine (IPM3 cysteine). Finally, the combined association of MetS was positively associated with CEMA and CYMA in the BKMR regression model.

Discussion

In summary, we demonstrated that VOCs and their` metabolism were significantly associated with MetS. Compared results from these three models, CEMA and CYMA were identified as the factors associated with MetS. This study provides a research direction for the mechanism of VOCs that may induce the onset and development of MetS.

Cathepsin B induces kidney diseases through different types of programmed cell death

Cathepsin B (CTSB), a key cysteine protease, plays essential roles in physiological and pathological processes. As research progresses, interest in how CTSB triggers different types of programmed cell death (PCD) to induce the onset and development of diseases is increasing. Several recent studies suggest that different types of PCD mediated by CTSB play key roles in kidney diseases. In this review, we outline the fundamental mechanisms by which CTSB triggers different types of PCD in several kidney diseases and discuss the function of CTSB in various segments of the kidney. Moreover, we explore the possibilities and prospects of using CTSB as a therapeutic target for kidney diseases.

The PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 Axis Is Involved in Mediating ER-Stress-Induced Ferroptosis via DDIT4-mTORC1 Inhibition and Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, is increasingly recognized for its role in disease pathogenesis. The unfolded protein response (UPR) has been implicated in both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and ferroptosis-mediated cell fate decisions; yet, the specific mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that ER stress induced by tunicamycin and ferroptosis triggered by erastin both activate the UPR, leading to the induction of ferroptotic cell death. This cell death was mitigated by the application of chemical chaperones and a ferroptosis inhibitor. Among the three arms of the UPR, the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling axis was identified as a crucial mediator in this process. Mechanistically, the ATF4-driven induction of DDIT4 plays a pivotal role, facilitating ferroptosis via the inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway. Furthermore, acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated as a model of eIF2α-ATF4-mediated ferroptosis. Our findings reveal that the inhibition of eIF2α-ATF4 or ferroptosis protects against APAP-induced liver damage, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways. Overall, this study not only clarifies the intricate role of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis in ER-stress-and erastin-induced ferroptosis but also extends these findings to a clinically relevant model, providing a foundation for potential therapeutic interventions in conditions characterized by dysregulated ferroptosis and ER stress.

Mechanisms of Ferroptosis in bone disease: A new target for osteoporosis treatment

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common disease in the elderly, characterized by decreased bone strength, reduced bone density, and increased fracture risk. There are two clinical types of osteoporosis: primary osteoporosis and secondary osteoporosis. The most common form is postmenopausal osteoporosis, which is caused by decreased estrogen production after menopause. Secondary osteoporosis, on the other hand, occurs when certain medications, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies lead to a decrease in bone density. Ferroptosis, a new iron-dependent programmed cell death process, is critical in regulating the development of osteoporosis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are complex. In the pathologic process of osteoporosis, several studies have found that ferroptosis may occur in osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, cell types closely related to bone metabolism. The imbalance of iron homeostasis in osteoblasts and excessive iron accumulation can promote lipid peroxidation through the Fenton reaction, which induces ferroptosis in osteoblasts and affects their role in regulating bone metabolism. Ferroptosis in osteoblasts inhibits bone formation and reduces the amount of new bone production. Osteoclast-associated ferroptosis abnormalities, on the other hand, may alter the homeostasis of bone resorption. In this paper, we start from the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis, and introduce the ways in which ferroptosis affects the physiological and pathological processes of the body. After that, the effects of ferroptosis on osteoblasts and osteoclasts will be discussed separately to elucidate the molecular mechanism between ferroptosis and osteoporosis, which will provide a new breakthrough for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and a more effective and better idea for the treatment strategy of osteoporosis.

The role of ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease

Iron is a crucial mineral element within human cells, serving as a pivotal cofactor for diverse biological enzymes. Ferritin plays a crucial role in maintaining iron homeostasis within the body through its ability to sequester and release iron. Ferritinophagy is a selective autophagic process in cells that specifically facilitates the degradation of ferritin and subsequent release of free iron, thereby regulating intracellular iron homeostasis. The nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) serves as a pivotal regulator in the entire process of ferritinophagy, facilitating its binding to ferritin and subsequent delivering to lysosomes for degradation, thereby enabling the release of free iron. The free iron ions within the cell undergo catalysis through the Fenton reaction, resulting in a substantial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This process induces lipid peroxidation, thereby stimulating a cascade leading to cellular tissue damage and subsequent initiation of ferroptosis. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of emotional memory and cognitive function, accompanied by mental and behavioral aberrations. The pathology of the disease is characterized by aberrant deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein. It has been observed that evident iron metabolism disorders and accumulation of lipid peroxides occur in AD, indicating a significant impact of ferritinophagy and ferroptosis on the pathogenesis and progression of AD. This article elucidates the process and mechanism of ferritinophagy and ferroptosis, investigating their implications in AD to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Ferroptosis in Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Crosstalk Regulation, and Therapeutic Strategies

Ferroptosis is a distinct form of iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized primarily by intracellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Multiple cellular processes, including amino acid metabolism, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, various signaling pathways, and autophagy, have been demonstrated to influence the induction and progression of ferroptosis. Recent investigations have elucidated that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various pulmonary disorders, including lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma. Ferroptosis is increasingly recognized as a promising novel strategy for cancer treatment. Various immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, including CD8+ T cells, macrophages, regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, have been shown to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells and modulate the process through the regulation of iron and lipid metabolism pathways. Conversely, ferroptosis can reciprocally alter the metabolic environment, leading to the activation or inhibition of immune cell functions, thereby modulating immune responses. This paper reviews the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis and describes the tumor immune microenvironment, discusses the connection between ferroptosis and the tumor microenvironment in lung cancer and pulmonary diseases, and discusses the development prospect of their interaction in the treatment of lung cancer and pulmonary diseases.

An in-depth analysis of the effects of excessive acetochlor exposure on chicken liver health

Acetochlor, a commonly used herbicide, poses significant risks to ecosystem and organism health through contamination of the food chain. Despite its widespread use, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on its toxicological effects on avian species. This study investigates the impact of environmental acetochlor exposure on chicken liver health using metabolomics analysis and histopathological techniques. Microscopic examination revealed autophagy-like structures and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) expansion, with significant effects observed at higher exposure levels. Biochemical analysis and metabolomics also demonstrated acetochlor-induced ferroptosis, highlighting disruptions in liver function. Further, in vitro studies revealed that acetochlor stimulates autophagy, which regulates ferroptosis via ferritin degradation, mediated through the ER-CaMKII pathway. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in acetochlor toxicity, particularly the role of the Ca2+/CaMKII pathway, ER stress, and autophagy in ferroptosis. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how environmental contaminants affect avian species, providing critical insights for better herbicide risk assessment, pollution control, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Emerging insights into the role of microRNAs regulation of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of liver cancer and an important cause of cancer death. It has been reported that the hepatocyte death plays an important role in HCC. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of free iron and lipid peroxidation. A series of studies have shown that ferroptosis contributes to the occurrence and development of HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with a length of approximately 222 nt. In recent years, miRNAs have been shown to participate in regulating ferroptosis to play a vital role in HCC, but the related mechanisms are not fully understood. This review summarized the current understanding of ferroptosis, as well as the biogenesis and function of miRNAs, and focused on the role of miRNAs regulation of ferroptosis in HCC, with the hope of providing new targets and ideas for the treatment of HCC.

Hsa_circ_0002301 inhibits ferroptosis in gastric cancer by encoding the de novo protein HECTD1-463aa

BACKGROUND

CircRNAs are closely related to ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells; however, the mechanism by which circRNAs regulate ferroptosis in gastric carcinogenesis remains unknown. CircRNA-encoded novel peptides are functional products translated from the open reading frames (ORFs) within circular RNAs, demonstrating that circRNAs not only serve as non-coding regulators but also have the capacity to encode biologically active peptides. Compared with noncancerous cells, cancer cells have greater iron requirements, and ferroptosis occurs in response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy; therefore, ferroptosis activation may be a potential strategy to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cancer therapy.

METHODS

A mouse model of ferroptosis in gastric cancer was constructed, and a bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze and characterize the circRNAs involved in ferroptosis in gastric cancer. The inhibitory effect of hsa_circ_0002301 on ferroptosis in tumors was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The presence and expression of HECTD1-463aa were verified using mass spectrometry, protein blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. The molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0002301 was investigated using mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

We designed and synthesized antibodies specific for the small protein HECTD1-463aa encoded by hsa_circ_0002301 to verify its presence and purified HECTD1-463aa by constructing hsa_circ_0002301 overexpression vectors with FLAG tags and used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) to detect the characterized peptides. In addition, HECTD1 binding to HECTD1-463aa was identified by immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry. We found that HECTD1-463aa inhibited HECTD1-mediated GPX4 ubiquitination by binding to HECTD1, an important regulator of cell death in ferroptotic cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

hsa_circ_0002301 competitively inhibits the degradation of the GPX4 protein by HECTD1 through the encoded proteins HECTD1-463aa and HECTD1 to affect the ferroptosis level in gastric cancer cells.

Therapeutic Approaches with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles to Induce Ferroptosis and Overcome Radioresistance in Cancers

The emergence of nanotechnology in medicine, particularly using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), may impact cancer treatment strategies. IONPs exhibit unique properties, such as superparamagnetism, biocompatibility, and ease of surface modification, making them ideal candidates for imaging, and therapeutic interventions. Their application in targeted drug delivery, especially with traditional chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin, has shown potential in overcoming limitations such as low bioavailability and systemic toxicity of chemotherapies. Moreover, IONPs, by releasing iron ions, can induce ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, which offers a promising pathway to reverse radio- and chemoresistance in cancer therapy. In particular, IONPs demonstrate significant potential as radiosensitisers, enhancing the effects of radiotherapy by promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, and modulating the tumour microenvironment to stimulate antitumour immune responses. This review explores the multifunctional roles of IONPs in radiosensitisation through ferroptosis induction, highlighting their promise in advancing treatment for head and neck cancers. Additional research is crucial to fully addressing their potential in clinical settings, offering a novel approach to personalised cancer treatment.

The role of ferroptosis in acute kidney injury: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common and severe clinical renal syndromes with high morbidity and mortality. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death (PCD), is characterized by iron overload, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. As ferroptosis has been increasingly studied in recent years, it is closely associated with the pathophysiological process of AKI and provides a target for the treatment of AKI. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, summarizes its role in various AKI models, and explores its interaction with other forms of cell death, it also presents research on ferroptosis in AKI progression to other diseases. Additionally, the review highlights methods for detecting and assessing AKI through the lens of ferroptosis and describes potential inhibitors of ferroptosis for AKI treatment. Finally, the review presents a perspective on the future of clinical AKI treatment, aiming to stimulate further research on ferroptosis in AKI.

VSTM2L protects prostate cancer cells against ferroptosis via inhibiting VDAC1 oligomerization and maintaining mitochondria homeostasis

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent programmed cell death, which is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Mitochondria play a critical role in initiating and amplifying ferroptosis in cancer cells. Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 (VDAC1) embedded in the mitochondrial outer membrane, exerts roles in regulation of ferroptosis. However, the mechanisms of VDAC1 oligomerization in regulating ferroptosis are not well elucidated. Here, we identify that a VDAC1 binding protein V-Set and Transmembrane Domain Containing 2 Like (VSTM2L), mainly localized to mitochondria, is positively associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression, and a key regulator of ferroptosis. Moreover, VSTM2L knockdown in PCa cells enhances the sensitivity of RSL3-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, VSTM2L forms complex with VDAC1 and hexokinase 2 (HK2), enhancing their binding affinity and preventing VDAC1 oligomerization, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and maintaining mitochondria homeostasis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings reveal a pivotal role for mitochondria-localized VSTM2L in driving ferroptosis resistance and highlight its potential as a ferroptosis-inducing therapeutic target for the treatment of PCa.

Targeting ferroptosis: a promising approach for treating lung carcinoma

Lung carcinoma incidence and fatality rates remain among the highest on a global scale. The efficacy of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is commonly compromised by the emergence of drug resistance and other factors, resulting in a lack of durable therapeutic benefits. Ferroptosis, a distinct pattern of cell death marked by the buildup of iron-dependent lipid peroxides, has been shown to be a novel and potentially more effective treatment for lung carcinoma. However, the mechanism and regulatory network of ferroptosis are exceptionally complex, and many unanswered questions remain. In addition, research on ferroptosis in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer has been growing exponentially. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a thorough summary of the latest advancements in the field of ferroptosis. Here, we comprehensively analyze the mechanisms underlying the preconditions of ferroptosis, the defense system, and the associated molecular networks. The potential strategies of ferroptosis in the treatment of lung carcinoma are also highlighted. Targeting ferroptosis improves tumor cell drug resistance and enhances the effectiveness of targeted drugs and immunotherapies. These findings may shed fresh light on the diagnosis and management of lung carcinoma, as well as the development of drugs related to ferroptosis.

Kanglaite alleviates lung squamous cell carcinoma through ferroptosis

Kanglaite, a compound predominantly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), has been employed in the clinical treatment of adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China for decades. However, its therapeutic efficacy and specific mechanism in the treatment of squamous NSCLC remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that the co-treatment with ferric ion significantly enhances the cytotoxic effects of kanglaite by inducing ferroptosis in NCL-H1703, a cell line of human lung squamous cell carcinoma. Mechanistic investigations reveal that kanglaite induces mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) excessive production, which is critical for the induction of ferroptosis. Further analysis shows that kanglaite suppresses the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to increased IP3 generation. IP3 subsequently binds to and activates IP3R, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium channel, exacerbating the excessive calcium transfer from the ER to mitochondria. The overloaded mitochondrial calcium contributes to its dysfunction and elevates ROS production. To optimize the synergistic effects of ferric ion and kanglaite, we develop a mesoporous silica-based nanodrug delivery system co-loaded with Kanglaite and Fe3O4, which offers several notable advantages, including reduced drug dosage and a faster therapeutic onset. Finally, in an NCL-H1703 xenograft model, the DMSN/Fe3O4-Kanglaite nanodrug significantly inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, we identified the function and mechanism of kanglaite in treatment of squamous NSCLC and have developed a DMSN/Fe3O4-Kanglaite nanodrug, providing a superior therapeutic approach for the treatment of squamous NSCLC.

Identification of important genes related to ferroptosis in early missed abortion based on WGCNA

Early missed abortion is defined as a pregnancy of ≤ 12 weeks in which there is a cessation of life in the developing embryo or fetus, leading to its retention within the uterine cavity without being spontaneously expelled promptly. This condition is commonly observed and significantly impacts human reproductive health. This study aimed to identify key genes related to ferroptosis that could serve as novel biomarkers for early missed abortion. Findings from gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses indicate a correlation between iron- DEFRGS in key modules and the p53 signaling, mitophagy-animal, and protein digestion and absorption pathways. An analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was conducted on DEFRGs, identifying five central genes (TP53, EZH2, TIMP1, SLC3A2, and GABARAPL2) using STRING and Cytohubba ROC curves. The expression of pivotal genes in both the missed-abortion and control groups was verified by RT-qPCR. CIBERSORT analysis revealed a notable increase in the infiltration levels of CD8 + T lymphocytes and M2 macrophages among individuals in the early missed abortion group. Additionally, a ceRNA network was constructed to predict interactions between mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA of the central genes. However, the interacting miRNAs predicted for SLC3A2 in the miRanda, miRDB, and TargetScan databases were limited to hsa-miR-661 and hsa-miR-4311, with no interacting lncRNAs found in the spongeScan database. This research has identified novel genes that could be targeted for the early detection and management of missed abortions.

tsRNA-5006c regulates hippocampal neurons ferroptosis to ameliorate perioperative neurocognitive disorders in aged male mice

The aim of this research is to investigate whether ferroptosis occurs in the pathogenesis of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), and to explore the function and underlying molecular mechanism of tsRNA in the regulation of ferroptosis in PND. A PND aged mice model was established and behavioral changes and ferroptosis occurrence were confirmed. The effect of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) on PND mice was detected. tsRNA expression profile in PND mice and the effect of tsRNA on ferroptosis in vitro were perfomed. We found that anxious exploration behavior and short-term working memory was declined in PND mice compared with control mice, and the levels of S100β and IL-6 were increased. Meanwhile, hippocampal neurons of PND mice were damaged and accompanied by ferroptosis. Fer-1 can improve cognitive impairment in PND mice, as reflected by improved anxious exploration behavior and short-term working memory, and the levels of S100β and IL-6 were decreased. The expression profile of tsRNA in PND mice is disordered, and the dysregulated tsRNAs were mainly enriched in biologic functions related to neuronal development and ferroptosis. The tsRNA-5006c, identified as a pivotal player, significantly suppressed ferroptosis in primary mice neurons. This study shows for the first time that the pathophysiological process of PND is accompanied by ferroptosis of neurons, and reveals that tsRNA-5006c regulates ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons to ameliorate PND, which is of great significance for the development of new treatment strategies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04176-3.

Global Proteomics Indicates Subcellular-Specific Anti-Ferroptotic Responses to Ionizing Radiation

Cells have many protective mechanisms against background levels of ionizing radiation orchestrated by molecular changes in expression, post-translational modifications, and subcellular localization. Radiotherapeutic treatment in oncology attempts to overwhelm such mechanisms, but radioresistance is an ongoing challenge. Here, global subcellular proteomics combined with Bayesian modeling identified 544 differentially localized proteins in A549 cells upon 6 Gy X-ray exposure, revealing subcellular-specific changes of proteins involved in ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, suggestive of potential radioresistance mechanisms. These observations were independent of expression changes, emphasizing the utility of global subcellular proteomics and the promising prospect of ferroptosis-inducing therapies for combating radioresistance.

Silencing HEATR1 Rescues Cisplatin Resistance of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Inducing Ferroptosis via the p53/SAT1/ALOX15 Axis

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (DDP) is a commonly used chemotherapy agent. However, its resistance to the drug is a major challenge in its clinical application. Earlier research has suggested a connection between HEATR1 and chemoresistance in cancer. However, additional investigation is needed to better understand its involvement in resistance to DDP. In this study, we aimed to determine the regulatory effect of HEATR1 on the resistance of cisplatin in NSCLC.

METHODS

We collected specimens of both DDP-resistant and non-resistant NSCLC to examine the expression of HEATR1. Additionally, we established cisplatin-resistant cells of NSCLC using the A549 cell line. Cell ability was examined by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and lipid ROS were examined by flow cytometry. The expressions of HEATR1, p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The tumor xenograft experiment was conducted to assess the impact of silencing HEATR1 on cisplatin resistance in vivo in NSCLC.

RESULTS

The expression levels of HEATR1 were found to be significantly elevated in DDP-resistant tissues and cells of NSCLC as compared to non-resistant counterparts. Conversely, the expression levels of p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 were observed to be reduced in DDP-resistant cells. Through the inhibition of HEATR1, the proliferation of DDP-resistant cells was significantly suppressed, while the generation of lipid ROS was enhanced. This effect was achieved by activating ferroptosis and the p53/SAT1/ALOX15 pathway, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the overexpression of HEATR1 exhibited opposite effects. Furthermore, the silencing of p53 and ALOX15 reversed the oncogenic effects of HEATR1 and inhibited ferroptosis in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells, suggesting the involvement of p53 and ALOX15 in HEATR1-mediated DDP resistance.

CONCLUSION

Finally, the findings revealed that HEATR1 silencing reduced DDP resistance in NSCLC by inducing ferroptosis via the p53/SAT1/ALOX15 axis. HEATR1 might become a potential target for overcoming DDP resistance in NSCLC treatment.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Alleviate Diabetic Kidney Injury via β-Klotho-Mediated Ferroptosis Inhibition

Semaglutide (Smg), a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), shows renal protective effects in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study employs transcriptome sequencing and identifies β-Klotho (KLB) as the critical target responsible for the role of Smg in kidney protection. Smg treatment alleviates diabetic kidney injury by inhibiting ferroptosis in patients, animal models, and HK-2 cells. Notably, Smg treatment significantly increases the mRNA expression of KLB through the activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, specifically through the phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). Subsequently, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway is activated, reprograming the key metabolic processes of ferroptosis such as iron metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and the antioxidant response against lipid peroxidation. Suppression of ferroptosis by Smg further attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis. This work highlights the potential of GLP-1RAs and KLB targeting as promising therapeutic approaches for DKD management.

Dehydrocostus lactone suppresses gastric cancer progression by targeting ACLY to inhibit fatty acid synthesis and autophagic flux

INTRODUCTION

Dehydrocostus lactone (Dehy), a natural sesquiterpene lactone from Saussurea lappa Clarke, displays remarkable efficacy in treating cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. However, its anti-gastric cancer (GC) effect remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to elucidate the anti-GC effect of Dehy and its putative mechanism.

METHODS

The anti-GC effect was assessed with MTT, colony formation, wound healing and transwell invasion assays. Cell apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI binding assay. Network pharmacology analysis and XF substrate oxidation stress test explored the underlying mechanism and altered metabolic phenotype. Lipogenic enzyme expressions and neutral lipid pool were measured to evaluate cellular lipid synthesis and storage. Biolayer interferometry and molecular docking investigated the direct target of Dehy. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy and MDC staining, while the autophagic flux was detected by mRFP-GFP-LC3 transfection. The clinical significance of ACLY was confirmed by tissue microarrays. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were adopted to detect the clinical therapeutic potential of Dehy.

RESULTS

Dehy prominently suppressed GC progression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Dehy down-regulated the lipogenic enzyme ACLY, thereby reducing fatty acid synthesis and lipid reservation. Moreover, IKKβ was identified as the direct target of Dehy. Dehy inhibited the phosphorylation of IKKβ, promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of ACLY, thereby resulting in lipid depletion. Subsequently, GC cells initiated autophagy to replenish the missing lipids, whereas Dehy impeded this cytoprotective mechanism by down-regulating LAMP1 and LAMP2 expressions, which disrupted lysosomal membrane functions, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Additionally, Dehy exhibited potential in GC clinical therapy as it enhanced the efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil in PDX models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work identified Dehy as a desirable agent for blunting abnormal lipid metabolism and highlighted its inhibitory effect on protective autophagy, suggesting the future development of Dehy as a novel therapeutic drug for GC.

Opposite expression of NCOA4 in glioblastoma tissues and cell lines

Recent research has found that ferroptosis is the most prevalent type of programmed cell death in glioma tissues and is associated with malignant progression, poor prognosis, and exacerbated immune suppression in glioblastoma (GBM). In recent years, nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) has been identified as a key protein in ferroptosis, but its expression in GBM tissues remains unclear. We observed an intriguing phenomenon where the expression pattern of NCOA4 was opposite in GBM tissues compared to three GBM cell lines (U87-MG, U251, and LN229), with NCOA4 expression being elevated in brain tissue but decreased in the GBM cells. This observation was further confirmed through bioinformatics analysis and experiments. Based on this finding, we hypothesize that immune cells in GBM tissues may exhibit more pronounced signs of iron depletion compared to tumor cells, which could contribute to the therapeutic resistance of GBM. The increase in NCOA4 observed in tumor tissues does not necessarily reflect increased ferroptosis in tumor cells but might indicate increased ferroptosis in non-tumor cells. This point should be considered when evaluating the efficacy of inducing ferroptosis via NCOA4 in GBM research. This observation could potentially impact the proposed strategy of inducing iron depletion as a treatment for GBM. We recognize the importance of this finding for guiding future GBM research and believe it warrants further investigation. This phenomenon may also be present in other types of tumors.

Pro-aromatic Natural Terpenes as Unusual "Slingshot" Antioxidants with Promising Ferroptosis Inhibition Activity

Ferroptosis is a cell death mechanism based on extensive cellular membrane peroxidation, implicated in neurodegenerative and other diseases. The essential oil component γ-terpinene, a natural monoterpene with a unique highly oxidizable pro-aromatic 1,4-cyclohexadiene skeleton, inhibits peroxidation of polyunsaturated lipid in model heterogeneous systems (micelles and liposomes). Upon H-atom abstraction, an unstable γ-terpinene-derived peroxyl radical is formed, that aromatizes to p-cymene generating HOO⋅ radicals. As HOO⋅ are small and hydrophilic radicals, they quickly diffuse outside the lipid core, blocking the radical chain propagation of polyunsaturated lipids. This unprecedented antioxidant "slingshot" mechanism explains why γ-terpinene shows a protective activity against ferroptosis, being effective at submicromolar concentrations in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells.

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer

The identification of ferroptosis represents a pivotal advancement in the field of cell death research, revealing an entirely novel mechanism of cellular demise and offering new insights into the initiation, progression, and therapeutic management of various diseases. Ferroptosis is predominantly induced by intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, or impairments in the antioxidant defense system, culminating in membrane rupture and consequent cell death. Studies have associated ferroptosis with a wide range of diseases, and by enhancing our comprehension of its underlying mechanisms, we can formulate innovative therapeutic strategies, thereby providing renewed hope for patients.

Advances in integrating single-cell sequencing data to unravel the mechanism of ferroptosis in cancer

Ferroptosis, a commonly observed type of programmed cell death caused by abnormal metabolic and biochemical mechanisms, is frequently triggered by cellular stress. The occurrence of ferroptosis is predominantly linked to pathophysiological conditions due to the substantial impact of various metabolic pathways, including fatty acid metabolism and iron regulation, on cellular reactions to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. This mode of cell death serves as a fundamental factor in the development of numerous diseases, thereby presenting a range of therapeutic targets. Single-cell sequencing technology provides insights into the cellular and molecular characteristics of individual cells, as opposed to bulk sequencing, which provides data in a more generalized manner. Single-cell sequencing has found extensive application in the field of cancer research. This paper reviews the progress made in ferroptosis-associated cancer research using single-cell sequencing, including ferroptosis-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, biomarkers, and the identification of cell clusters associated with ferroptosis in tumors. In general, the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology has the potential to contribute significantly to the investigation of the mechanistic regulatory pathways linked to ferroptosis. Moreover, it can shed light on the intricate connection between ferroptosis and cancer. This technology holds great promise in advancing tumor-wide diagnosis, targeted therapy, and prognosis prediction.

A Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe for monitoring polarity dynamic during programmed cell death

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a controlled form of cell death and it plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis. Golgi apparatus works as the hotspot during the early event of PCD and Golgi polarity, a vital microenvironment factor, can be regarded as an indicator of physiological status. Combined Golgi-targeted group phenylsulfonamide as electron acceptor group and triphenylamine as electron donor group, a novel Golgi-targeted fluorescent probe GTO had been developed. GTO showed good sensitivity and selectivity to polarity and its remarkable photostability makes it potentially useful for long-term cellular monitoring. In practice, GTO demonstrated good cell permeability and Golgi targeting capabilities. According to our results, GTO was applied to reveal the polarity increase during the early event of PCD and the encouraging results illustrated that GTO was an imaging tool for monitoring polarity in Golgi apparatus and the exploration in early diagnosis and drug discovery.

The Underestimated Role of Iron in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Narrative Review

The term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprises a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain with language impairment and changes in cognitive, behavioral and executive functions, and in some cases motor manifestations. A high proportion of FTD cases are due to genetic mutations and inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner with variable penetrance depending on the implicated gene. Iron is a crucial microelement that is involved in several cellular essential functions in the whole body and plays additional specialized roles in the central nervous system (CNS) mainly through its redox-cycling properties. Such a feature may be harmful under aerobic conditions, since it may lead to the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Dysfunctions of iron homeostasis in the CNS are indeed involved in several neurodegenerative disorders, although it is still challenging to determine whether the dyshomeostasis of this essential but harmful metal is a direct cause of neurodegeneration, a contributor factor or simply a consequence of other neurodegenerative mechanisms. Unlike many other neurodegenerative disorders, evidence of the dysfunction in brain iron homeostasis in FTD is still scarce; nonetheless, the recent literature intriguingly suggests its possible involvement. The present review aims to summarize what is currently known about the contribution of iron dyshomeostasis in FTD based on clinical, imaging, histological, biochemical and molecular studies, further suggesting new perspectives and offering new insights for future investigations on this underexplored field of research.

Intracellular biliverdin dynamics during ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a cell death mechanism mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Although ferroptosis has garnered attention as a cancer-suppressing mechanism, there are still limited markers available for identifying ferroptotic cells or assessing their sensitivity to ferroptosis. The study focused on biliverdin, an endogenous reducing substance in cells, and examined the dynamics of intracellular biliverdin during ferroptosis using a biliverdin-binding cyanobacteriochrome. It was found that intracellular biliverdin decreases during ferroptosis and that this decrease is specific to ferroptosis amongst different forms of cell death. Furthermore, the feasibility of predicting sensitivity to ferroptosis by measuring intracellular biliverdin was demonstrated using a ferroptosis model induced by the re-expression of the transcription factor BACH1. These findings provide further insight into ferroptosis research and are expected to contribute to the development of cancer therapies that exploit ferroptosis.

Identification of new hub- ferroptosis-related genes in Lupus Nephritis

Background: Lupus Nephritis (LN) is the primary causation of kidney injury in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death. Therefore, understanding the crosstalk between LN and ferroptosis is still a significant challenge. Methods: We obtained the expression profile of LN kidney biopsy samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and utilised the R-project software to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, we conducted a functional correlation analysis. Ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) crossover to select FRGs with LN. Afterwards, we used CIBERSORT to assess the infiltration of immune cells in both LN tissues and healthy control samples. Finally, we performed immunohistochemistry on LN human renal tissue. Results: 10619 DEGs screened from the LN biopsy tissue were identified. 22 hub-ferroptosis-related genes with LN (FRGs-LN) were screened out. The CIBERSORT findings revealed that there were significant statistical differences in immune cells between healthy control samples and LN tissues. Immunohistochemistry further demonstrated a significant difference in HRAS, TFRC, ATM, and SRC expression in renal tissue between normal and control groups. Conclusion: We developed a signature that allowed us to identify 22 new biomarkers associated with FRGs-LN. These findings suggest new insights into the pathology and therapeutic potential of LN ferroptosis inhibitors and iron chelators.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: analysis and validation of ferroptosis-related diagnostic biomarkers and immune cell infiltration features

BACKGROUND

Early and precise diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is essential to improve the prognosis of preterm infants with BPD. Studying ferroptosis-related genes for diagnostic markers of BPD was the objective of this study.

METHODS

Using the GEO database and the FerrDb database, we obtained the GSE32472 dataset and screened the ferroptosis-related differentially expressed mRNAs (FRDE-mRNAs). By using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), possible biological functions and pathways were identified for FRDE-mRNAs. Three machine learning algorithms (LASSO, SVM-RFE, Random Forest) were used to recognize hub genes, as well as CIBERSORT for exploring the immune landscape of BPD and controls. Functional predictions for hub genes were made using single-gene gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

RESULTS

Twenty three FRDE-mRNAs were obtained and were mainly involved in autophagy, fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis. The four hub genes (LPIN1, ACADSB, WIPI1 and SLC7A11) screened were utilized to construct a diagnostic nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves demonstrateld that the nomogram exhibited good predictive performance. Eight types of immune cell markers differed significantly between BPD and controls.

CONCLUSION

We developed a diagnostic model for BPD, which could facilitate the early diagnosis and timely intervention of BPD.

IMPACT

The role of ferroptosis in bronchopulmonary dysplasia is rarely reported. The ferroptosis-related genes (LPIN1, ACADSB, WIPI1 and SLC7A11) we identified could serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for BPD. Immune cell infiltration features in BPD and signaling pathways associated with marker genes give new insight into the disease process and provide a basis for further research.

Thio-ProTide strategy: A novel H2S donor-drug conjugate (DDC) alleviates hepatic injury via innate lysosomal targeting

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gas signaling molecule with versatile bioactivities; however, its exploitation for disease treatment appears challenging. This study describes the design and characterization of a novel type of H2S donor-drug conjugate (DDC) based on the thio-ProTide scaffold, an evolution of the ProTide strategy successfully used in drug discovery. The new H2S DDCs achieved hepatic co-delivery of H2S and an anti-fibrotic drug candidate named hydronidone, which synergistically attenuated liver injury and resulted in more sufficient intracellular drug exposure. The potent hepatoprotective effects were also attributed to the H2S-mediated multipronged intervention in lipid peroxidation both at the whole cellular and lysosomal levels. Lysosomal H2S accumulation and H2S DDC activation were facilitated by the hydrolysis through the specific lysosomal hydrolase, representing a distinct mechanism for lysosomal targeting independent of the classical basic moieties. These findings provided a novel pattern for the design of optimally therapeutic H2S DDC and organelle-targeting functional molecules.

Dual Role of Lysosome in Cancer Development and Progression

Lysosomes are essential intracellular catabolic organelles that contain digestive enzymes involved in the degradation and recycle of damaged proteins, organelles, etc. Thus, they play an important role in various biological processes, including autophagy regulation, ion homeostasis, cell death, cell senescence. A myriad of studies has shown that the dysfunction of lysosome is implicated in human aging and various age-related diseases, including cancer. However, what is noteworthy is that the modulation of lysosome-based signaling and degradation has both the cancer-suppressive and cancer-promotive functions in diverse cancers depending on stage, biology, or tumor microenvironment. This dual role limits their application as targets in cancer therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of lysosome and autophagy-lysosomal pathway and outline their critical roles in many cellular processes, including cell death. We highlight the different functions of autophagy-lysosomal pathway in cancer development and progression, underscoring its potential as a target for effective cancer therapies.

Plasmalogens in Innate Immune Cells: From Arachidonate Signaling to Ferroptosis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid are indispensable components of innate immune signaling. Plasmalogens are glycerophospholipids with a vinyl ether bond in the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone instead of the more common sn-1 ester bond present in "classical" glycerophospholipids. This kind of phospholipid is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid. In addition to or independently of the role of plasmalogens as major providers of free arachidonic acid for eicosanoid synthesis, plasmalogens also perform a varied number of functions. Membrane plasmalogen levels may determine parameters of the plasma membrane, such as fluidity and the formation of microdomains that are necessary for efficient signal transduction leading to optimal phagocytosis by macrophages. Also, plasmalogens may be instrumental for the execution of ferroptosis. This is a nonapoptotic form of cell death that is associated with oxidative stress. This review discusses recent data suggesting that, beyond their involvement in the cellular metabolism of arachidonic acid, the cells maintain stable pools of plasmalogens rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids for executing specific responses.

Exploring the Updated Roles of Ferroptosis in Liver Diseases: Mechanisms, Regulators, and Therapeutic Implications

Ferroptosis, a newly discovered mode of cell death, is a type of iron-dependent regulated cell death characterized by intracellular excessive lipid peroxidation and imbalanced redox. As the liver is susceptible to oxidative damage and the abnormal iron accumulation is a major feature of most liver diseases, studies on ferroptosis in the field of liver diseases are of great interest. Studies show that targeting the key regulators of ferroptosis can effectively alleviate or even reverse the deterioration process of liver diseases. System Xc- and glutathione peroxidase 4 are the main defense regulators of ferroptosis, while acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 is a key enzyme causing peroxidation in ferroptosis. Generally speaking, ferroptosis should be suppressed in alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury, while it should be induced in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the main regulators involved in ferroptosis and then the mechanisms of ferroptosis in different liver diseases. Treatment options of drugs targeting ferroptosis are further concluded. Determining different triggers of ferroptosis can clarify the mechanism of ferroptosis occurs at both physiological and pathological levels.

Using Label-Free Raman Spectroscopy Integrated with Microfluidic Chips to Probe Ferroptosis Networks in Cells

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a pivotal research focus with implications across various cellular contexts. In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach, integrating label-free Raman spectroscopy and microfluidics to study the mechanisms underpinning ferroptosis. Our investigations included the ferroptosis initiation based on the changes in the lipid Raman band at 1436 cm-1 under different cellular states, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, DNA damage/repair, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, our work highlighted the dynamic role of vital cellular components, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH), ferredoxin clusters, and other key factors such as glutathione peroxidase 4 and nuclear factor erythroid 2, which collectively influenced cellular responses to redox imbalance and oxidative stress. Quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular docking simulations (MD) provided further evidence of interactions between the ferredoxin (containing 4Fe-4S clusters), NADPH, and ROS, which led to the production of reactive Fe species in the cells. As such, our approach not only offered a real-time, multidimensional perspective on ferroptosis but also provided valuable methods and insights for therapeutic interventions in diverse biomedical contexts.

Analysis of the prognostic significance and potential mechanisms of lncRNAs related to m6A methylation in laryngeal cancer

Objective to investigate the prognostic significance and potential mechanism analysis of m6A methylation-associated lncRNAs in laryngeal cancer. Methods based on the expression of m6A-associated lncRNAs, the samples were divided into two clusters and least absolute value and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was performed to build and validate prognostic models. In addition, the relationships between risk scores, clusters, arginine synthase (SMS), tumor microenvironment, clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, and tumor mutation burden were analyzed. Finally, the relationship between SMS and m6A-associated IncRNAs was analyzed and SMS-associated pathways were enriched by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results a total of 95 lncRNAs were associated with the expression of 22 m6A methylation regulators in laryngeal cancer, 14 of which were prognostic lncRNAs. These lncRNAs were divided into two clusters and evaluated. Clinicopathological features did not show significant differences. However, the two clusters differed significantly in terms of naive B cells, memory B cells, naive CD4 T cells, T helper cells and immune score. lASSO regression analysis showed that risk score was a significant predictor of progression-free survival. Conclusion low expression of m6A-related lncRNAs involved in laryngeal cancer development in laryngeal cancer tissues can be used as an indicator to diagnose patients with laryngeal cancer, reduce patient prognosis, be an independent risk factor affecting patient prognosis and be able to assess patient prognosis.