Ferroptosis-associated circular RNAs: Opportunities and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Epigenetic and post-translational modifications in ferroptosis regulation and hepatocellular carcinoma: New frontiers in therapeutic targeting

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant kind of liver cancer, continues to be a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, influenced by intricate molecular processes and strong resistance to existing chemotherapy. Iron-dependent lipid peroxidation induces ferroptosis, a controlled form of cell death that plays a crucial role in inhibiting tumor growth and treatment resistance in HCC. Recent research has shown that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, regulation by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and post-translational modification (PTM) like ubiquitination, phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation, play a crucial role in fine-tuning ferroptosis. These alterations alter the structure of chromatin, gene expression, and protein function, thereby affecting cancer cells' fate. This review emphasizes the complex functions of epigenetic and post-translational alterations in controlling ferroptosis, providing valuable insights into their potential as therapeutic targets in HCC. The unraveling of these pathways offers a significant opportunity for novel therapies targeted at surmounting drug resistance and enhancing patient outcomes in liver cancer.

Exploring the Role of Ferroptosis-Related Circular RNAs in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating cerebrovascular event associated with high mortality and significant morbidity. Recent studies have highlighted the emerging role of ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death, in the pathogenesis of SAH. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been found to play essential roles in various cellular processes, including gene regulation and disease pathogenesis. The expression profile of circRNAs in neural tissues, particularly in the brain, suggests their critical role in synaptic function and neurogenesis. Moreover, the interplay between circRNAs and ferroptosis-related pathways, such as iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, is explored in the context of SAH. Understanding the functional roles of specific circRNAs in the context of SAH may provide potential therapeutic targets to attenuate ferroptosis-associated brain injury. Furthermore, the potential of circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for SAH severity, prognosis, and treatment response is discussed. Overall, this review highlights the significance of studying the intricate interplay between circRNAs and ferroptosis in the context of SAH. Unraveling the mechanisms by which circRNAs modulate ferroptotic cell death may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and diagnostic approaches for SAH management, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Role of circRNAs in regulating cell death in cancer: a comprehensive review

Despite multiple diagnostic and therapeutic advances, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, cancer preserved its spot as a global health concern. Prompt cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis depend on the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are considered as a stable, conserved, abundant, and varied group of RNA molecules that perform multiple roles such as gene regulation. There is evidence that circRNAs interact with RNA-binding proteins, especially capturing miRNAs. An extensive amount of research has presented the substantial contribution of circRNAs in various types of cancer. To fully understand the linkage between circRNAs and cancer growth as a consequence of various cell death processes, including autophagy, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, more research is necessary. The expression of circRNAs could be controlled to limit the occurrence and growth of cancer, providing a more encouraging method of cancer treatment. Consequently, it is critical to understand how circRNAs affect various forms of cancer cell death and evaluate whether circRNAs could be used as targets to induce tumor death and increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. The current study aims to review and comprehend the effects that circular RNAs exert on cell apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis in cancer to investigate potential cancer treatment targets.

Decoding poly (RC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1), the underrated guard at the foothill of ferroptosis

PCBP1 is a multifunctional adaptor protein, whose function as an iron chaperone and epigenetic regulator of several chemical messengers involved in ferroptosis has garnered much attention. Herein, this review, several attempts have been made to simplify our understanding of the complex roles of PCBP1. The review begins by elucidating the relevance of PCBP1 in key events governing ferroptosis. We expeditiously shed light on some of the important mechanisms that have critical implications for the ferroptosis landscape. For instance, senescence, EMT, hypoxia, and regulation of the cell cycle and immune checkpoints, among others, have been demonstrated to influence ferroptosis sensitivity to varying degrees. Thus, this review entails a conscious attempt to carefully examine the relevance of PCBP1 in such potential mechanisms. Furthermore, we investigated the therapeutic relevance of PCBP1 in tumor biology and autoimmunity, while underscoring the contrasting perspective of ferroptosis targeting across the disease spectrum. Finally, we debate the different strategies that can be exploited to target PCBP1 in promoting or inhibiting ferroptosis.

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of Ferroptosis: Implications for disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions

Ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and distinctive morphological features. Moreover, the reduction of intracellular antioxidant enzyme expression or activity, specifically glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) results in activation of the endogenous pathway of ferroptosis. In this review, we aimed to explore the intricate interplay between microRNAs (miRNAs) and ferroptosis, shedding light on its implications in various disease pathologies. This review delves into the role of miRNAs in modulating key regulators of ferroptosis, including genes involved in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, the potential of targeting miRNAs for therapeutic interventions in ferroptosis-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and ischemia/reperfusion injury, is highlighted.

Research status and potential applications of circRNAs affecting colorectal cancer by regulating ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is an emerging form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD), characterized by iron-mediated oxidative imbalance. This process plays a significant role in the development and progression of various tumors, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and others. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a stable, non-coding RNA type with a single-stranded, covalently closed loop structure, which is intricately linked to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent studies have shown that many circRNAs regulate various pathways leading to cellular ferroptosis. Colorectal cancer, known for its high incidence and mortality among cancers, is marked by a poor prognosis and pronounced chemoresistance. To enhance our understanding of how circRNA-mediated regulation of ferroptosis influences colorectal cancer development, this review systematically examines the mechanisms by which specific circRNAs regulate ferroptosis and their critical role in the progression of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, it explores the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer treatment, offering a novel approach to clinical management.

Ferroptosis and cuproptosis: Metal-dependent cell death pathways activated in response to classical chemotherapy - Significance for cancer treatment?

Apoptosis has traditionally been regarded as the desired cell death pathway activated by chemotherapeutic drugs due to its controlled and non-inflammatory nature. However, recent discoveries of alternative cell death pathways have paved the way for immune-stimulatory treatment approaches in cancer. Ferroptosis (dependent on iron) and cuproptosis (dependent on copper) hold promise for selective cancer cell targeting and overcoming drug resistance. Copper ionophores and iron-bearing nano-drugs show potential for clinical therapy as single agents and as adjuvant treatments. Here we review up-to-date evidence for the involvement of metal ion-dependent cell death pathways in the cytotoxicity of classical chemotherapeutic agents (alkylating agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and mitotic spindle inhibitors) and their combinations with cuproptosis and ferroptosis inducers, indicating the prospects, advantages, and obstacles of their use.

Ferroptosis and circular RNAs: new horizons in cancer therapy

Cancer poses intricate challenges to treatment due to its complexity and diversity. Ferroptosis and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as innovative therapeutic avenues amid the evolving landscape of cancer therapy. Extensive investigations into circRNAs reveal their diverse roles, ranging from molecular regulators to pivotal influencers of ferroptosis in cancer cell lines. The results underscore the significance of circRNAs in modulating molecular pathways that impact crucial aspects of cancer development, including cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. A detailed analysis delineates these pathways, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs influence ferroptosis. Building upon recent experimental findings, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting circRNAs to induce ferroptosis. By identifying specific circRNAs associated with the etiology of cancer, this analysis paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutics that exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This review consolidates the existing understanding of ferroptosis and circRNAs, emphasizing their role in cancer therapy and providing impetus for ongoing research in this dynamic field. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).