Manganese drives ferroptosis of cancer cells via YAP/TAZ phase separation activated ACSL4 in OSCC

Capsaicin induces ferroptosis via suppression of SLC7A11 activity and upregulation of ACSL4 mediated by AMPK in tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction

The global incidence of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has been steadily increasing. Our previous studies have demonstrated that capsaicin (CAP) promotes apoptosis and inhibits cell migration, thereby exerting anti-TSCC effects. In this study, we aimed to validate whether CAP induces ferroptosis in TSCC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Cell viability in HN6 and CAL27 cells was assessed using CCK-8 assays. Mitochondrial structural changes were observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Fe2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) were measured by the corresponding assay kits. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) was utilized to confirm the involvement of ferroptosis. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Additionally, Glutamic acid release was determined using an assay kit. The interaction between BECN1 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, lentiviral-mediated shRNA knockdown of AMPK was performed, with subsequent in vivo validation.

Results

CAP significantly suppressed the viability of HN6 and CAL27 cells. TEM analysis revealed mitochondrial damage following CAP treatment. Furthermore, CAP increased levels of MDA, Fe²⁺, and ROS while decreasing GSH; these alterations were reversed by Fer-1 treatment. Western blot analyses indicated that CAP upregulated phosphorylated AMPK and ACSL4 but downregulated GPX4 expression. Moreover, CAP inhibited glutamate release while enhancing BECN1-SLC7A11 binding, suggesting a reduction in SLC7A11 activity through the AMPK/BECN1 pathway. Notably, AMPK inhibition mitigated CAP-induced changes in p-BECN1, ACSL4, MDA, Fe²⁺, GSH, and ROS levels. In vivo experiments corroborated these findings.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates that CAP activate the AMPK signaling, inhibits the activity of SLC7A11 and increases ACSL4 expression, thereby inducing ferroptosis in TSCC. These findings, supported by in vivo data, highlight CAP's role in triggering ferroptosis as an anti-TSCC mechanism.

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.

WGCNA and ferroptosis genes in OSCC: unraveling prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant type of oral cancer, with over 370,000 new cases and approximately 170,000 deaths annually worldwide. Despite therapeutic advancements, OSCC mortality rates have been increasing, underscoring the need for improved prognostic models and therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We integrated transcriptomic and clinical survival data from the TCGA-OSCC dataset to identify ferroptosis-related prognostic genes. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we selected genes associated with OSCC prognosis and applied Lasso regression analysis to pinpoint key genes. A prognostic model was constructed and validated through survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

WGCNA identified modules significantly correlated with ferroptosis, yielding 321 genes associated with OSCC prognosis. Univariate Cox analysis identified 13 genes affecting OSCC prognosis. Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression narrowed down the gene set to a final set of 7 genes, which were used to construct the risk model. The model stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significant survival differences (P < 0.001). The model's predictive accuracy was validated, with AUC values ranging from 0.565 to 0.733 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival predictions. Immune-related analysis revealed that low-risk patients exhibited higher immune cell infiltration and were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Our study presents a novel prognostic model for OSCC patients based on ferroptosis-related genes, which not only predicts survival but also identifies potential therapeutic targets. The model's predictive accuracy and clinical relevance were validated, offering a new strategy for OSCC treatment.

Dietary and nutritional interventions for human diseases: their modulatory effects on ferroptosis

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining human health. Increasing evidence suggests that dietary and nutritional interventions contribute to disease management and are associated with reduced healthcare costs and economic burden. Ferroptosis, a novel type of regulated cell death (RCD) driven by lipid peroxidation, has been shown to be involved in various pathological conditions, including diabetes, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, inflammation-related diseases, and cancer. Therefore, specifically targeting the uncontrolled ferroptosis process may offer new therapeutic opportunities. Of note, certain interventions, such as small-molecule compounds, natural products, herbal medicines, and non-pharmacological approaches, have been reported to prevent and treat multiple human diseases by reversing the dysregulation of ferroptosis. In this review, we present the key molecular mechanisms that regulate ferroptosis. Importantly, interventions targeting ferroptosis are summarized from the perspective of dietary patterns, food and nutrients. By understanding these advances, innovative ideas can be provided for individualized dietary interventions and treatment strategies.

Ferroptosis as a hero against oral cancer

Cancer is an abnormal condition altering the cells to proliferate out of control simultaneously being susceptible to evolution. The lining which is made up of tissues in the lips, upper throat and mouth can undergo mutations, is recognised as mouth cancer or oral cancer. Substantial number of mouth lesions are identified at a point where it is typically not possible to get effective remedial care. Ferroptosis is a cutting-edge instance of cellular destruction which stands out in distinction to other sorts of cell death. It appears to have distinctive cellular, molecular and gene-level attributes and scavenges on deposits of reactive oxygen species triggered via iron-induced lipid peroxidation. It is said to be involved dichotomously in cancer development. Because the ferroptotic tumour cells put out numerous chemicals that alternatively signal for cancer attenuation or growth. There is increasing proof that researchers are now keenly investigating to stimulate ferroptosis through various inducers and pathways in the intent for oral cancer therapeutics, specifically to kill malignant tumours that refuse to respond well to conventional treatments. Also, it has the ability to reverse chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance in victims maximising the success rate of the treatments. This review centres on the stimulation of ferroptosis as a stand-alone therapy for oral cancer, or in combination with other medicines, agents and pathways.