Ferroptosis (also known as oxytosis) is a type of programmed cell death dependent on iron and characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides. Ferroptosis is biochemically, genetically, and morphologically distinct from other forms of regulated cell death such as apoptosis and necroptosis. [1] Oxytosis/ferroptosis can be initiated by the failure of the glutathione-dependent antioxidant defenses, resulting in unchecked lipid peroxidation and eventual cell death. [2] Lipophilic antioxidants [3] and iron chelators [1] can prevent ferroptotic cell death.
Researchers have identified roles in which oxytosis/ferroptosis can contribute to the medical field, such as the development of cancer therapies. [4] Ferroptosis activation plays a regulatory role on growth of tumor cells in the human body. However, the positive effects of oxytosis/ferroptosis could be potentially neutralized by its disruption of metabolic pathways and disruption of homeostasis in the human body. [5] Since oxytosis/ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death, [6] some of the molecules that regulate oxytosis/ferroptosis are involved in metabolic pathways that regulate cysteine exploitation, glutathione state, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) function, lipid peroxidation, and iron homeostasis. [5]
In 1989, work by the groups of Joseph T. Coyle and Ronald Schnaar showed in a neuronal cell line that excess exposure to glutamate or lowered cystine causes a decrease in glutathione levels, an accumulation in intracellular peroxides, and cytotoxicity. [7] [8] Later work by Pamela Maher and David Schubert noted the distinction of this cell death process from apoptosis, describing it as oxidative glutamate toxicity or oxytosis. [9] [10] [11] In 2012, a study by Brent Stockwell and Scott Dixon characterized the iron dependence of this cell death process and coined the term ferroptosis. [1] Oxytosis and ferroptosis are now thought to be the same cell death mechanism. [12] [13]
Other early studies regarding the connection between iron and lipid peroxidation, [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] cystine deprivation and oxidative cell death, [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] the activity and importance of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] and the identification of small molecules that induce ferroptosis [29] [30] [31] were key to the eventual characterization of ferroptosis.
The hallmark feature of oxytosis/ferroptosis is the iron-dependent accumulation of oxidatively damaged phospholipids (i.e., lipid peroxides). The implication of Fenton chemistry via iron is crucial for the generation of reactive oxygen species and this feature can be exploited by sequestering iron in lysosomes. [32] Oxidation of phospholipids can occur when free radicals abstract electrons from a lipid molecule (typically affecting polyunsaturated fatty acids), thereby promoting their oxidation.
The primary cellular mechanism of protection against oxytosis/ferroptosis is mediated by the selenoprotein GPX4, a glutathione-dependent hydroperoxidase that converts lipid peroxides into non-toxic lipid alcohols. [33] [34] Recently, a second parallel protective pathway was independently discovered by two labs that involves the oxidoreductase FSP1 (also known as AIFM2). [35] [36] FSP1 enzymatically reduces non-mitochondrial coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), thereby generating a potent lipophilic antioxidant that suppresses the propagation of lipid peroxides. [35] [36] Vitamin K is also reduced by FSP1 to a hydroquinone species that also acts as a radical-trapping antoxidant and suppressor of ferroptosis. [37] A similar mechanism for a cofactor moonlighting as a diffusable antioxidant was discovered in the same year for tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a product of the rate-limiting enzyme GTP cyclohdrolase 1 (GCH1). [38] [39]
Replacing natural polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with deuterated PUFA (dPUFA), which have deuterium in place of the bis-allylic hydrogens, can prevent cell death induced by erastin or RSL3. [40] These deuterated PUFAs effectively inhibit ferroptosis and various chronic degenerative diseases associated with ferroptosis. [41]
Live-cell imaging has been used to observe the morphological changes that cells undergo during oxytosis/ferroptosis. Initially the cell contracts and then begins to swell. Perinuclear lipid assembly is observed immediately before oxytosis/ferroptosis occurs. After the process is complete, lipid droplets are redistributed throughout the cell (see GIF on right side). [ citation needed ]
Ferroptosis was initially characterized in human cell lines and has been since found to occur in other mammals (mice), [42] avians (chicken), [43] worms ( C. elegans ), [44] [45] and plants ( A. thaliana, [46] [47] T. aestivum L., [48] and others). [49] [50] [51] [52] Ferroptosis has also been demonstrated in canine cancer cell models. [53] There have been limited studies in other model organisms such as D. melanogaster . [54] [55] Elements related to components of the ferroptosis pathway have been identified in archaea, bacteria, and fungi, though it is unclear the extent to which ferroptosis occurs in these organisms. [56] [57] Further studies in this area may reveal an ancient origin for ferroptosis.
During embryonic development, many cells die via apoptosis and other cell death pathways for various purposes including morphogenesis tissue sculpting, controlling cell numbers, and quality control. [58] [59] In 2024, it was found that ferroptosis plays a role in normal physiology during embryonic development and muscle remodelling, propagating in millimeter-length waves through the developing avian limb. [43] The exact pro-ferroptotic signal that is transmitted between cells and the manner by which these ferroptotic waves are bounded remain to be characterized.
Fundamental discoveries uncovering the biology of ferroptosis and translational studies showing the disease relevance of ferroptosis have motivated efforts to develop therapeutics that modulate ferroptosis. For example, Kojin Therapeutics and PTC Therapeutics are exploring ferroptosis modulation for treatment of cancer and Friedrich's ataxia. [53] [60] [61] [62] Ferroptosis has been implicated in a range of different diseases including cancer, ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), inflammation, neurodegeneration, and kidney injury. [63]
Ferroptosis has been explored as a strategy to selectively kill cancer cells. [64]
Oxytosis/ferroptosis has been implicated in several types of cancer, including: [ citation needed ]
These forms of cancer have been hypothesized to be highly sensitive to oxytosis/ferroptosis induction. An upregulation of iron levels has also been seen to induce oxytosis/ferroptosis in certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. [4] Breast cancer cells have exhibited vulnerability to oxytosis/ferroptosis via a combination of siramesine and lapatinib. These cells also exhibited an autophagic cycle independent of ferroptotic activity, indicating that the two different forms of cell death could be controlled to activate at specific times following treatment. [65] Furthermore, intratumor bacteria may scavenge iron by producing iron siderophores, which indirectly protect tumor cells from ferroptosis, emphasizing the need for ferroptosis inducers (thiostrepton) for cancer treatment. [66]
In various contexts, resistance to cancer therapy is associated with a mesenchymal state. [67] [68] [69] A pair of studies in 2017 found that these cancer cells in this therapy-induced drug-resistant state exhibit a greater dependence on GPX4 to suppress ferroptosis. Consequently, GPX4 inhibition represents a possible therapeutic strategy to mitigate acquired drug resistance. [70] [71]
Neural connections are constantly changing within the nervous system. Synaptic connections that are used more often are kept intact and promoted, while synaptic connections that are rarely used are subject to degradation. Elevated levels of synaptic connection loss and degradation of neurons are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. [72] More recently, oxytosis/ferroptosis has been linked to diverse brain diseases, [73] in particular, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. [74] Two new studies show that oxytosis/ferroptosis contributes to neuronal death after intracerebral hemorrhage. [75] [76] Neurons that are degraded through oxytosis/ferroptosis release lipid metabolites from inside the cell body. The lipid metabolites are harmful to surrounding neurons, causing inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is a pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease and intracerebral hemorrhage. [ citation needed ]
Recent studies have suggested that oxytosis/ferroptosis contributes to neuronal cell death after traumatic brain injury. [77]
Ferroptosis occurs during acute kidney injury in various cellular and animal models. [42] [78] [79] [80] [81] Deficiencies in ferroptosis suppressor enzymes such as GPX4 and FSP1 sensitize kidneys to tubular ferroptosis during kidney IRI, thus inhibition of ferroptosis may be of therapeutic benefit. [80]
During chemotherapy treatment, ferroptosis contributes to acute kidney injury. [82] [83] [84] Reagents to image ferroptosis have been developed to monitor anticancer drug-induced acute kidney injury in mouse models. [85]
Ferroptosis has been implicated in many immune processes including both adaptive and innate immunity and diseases such as infection and autoimmune disease. [63] [86] [87]
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. [88] Studies have implicated a role for neutrophil death (NETosis) in SLE. [89] [90] [91] Neutrophil ferroptosis is prevalent in patients with SLE and is induced by autoantibodies and interferon-alpha (IFN-α), which suppress GPX4 expression via the transcriptional repressor CREMα. Inhibition of ferroptosis was able to ameliorate SLE disease progression in the MRL/lpr mouse model of SLE. [92]
There is a genetic association between GPX4 and Crohn's disease. [93] Subsequent study found that small intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) from Crohn's disease patient samples show reduced GPX4 expression and activity and lipid peroxidation. [94] The same study found that dietary lipids in Western diets such as the PUFA arachidonic acid can trigger enteritis resembling Crohn's disease in a mouse model. [94]
Many compounds commonly used in ferroptosis studies including erastin, [29] RSL3 (RAS-selective lethal), [31] ML162, and ML210 [from National Institutes of Health-Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository (NIH-MLSMR)] [95] were initially identified in screens for compounds that can selectively kill cancerous mutant RAS cells.
Initial studies characterized the mitochondrial VDAC2 and VDAC3 as the targets of erastin, [30] though it was later found that the mechanistic target of erastin is the cystine/glutamate transporter system xc−. [1] Erastin inhibits system xc−, lowering intracellular GSH levels. [1] Consequently, the GSH-dependent GPX4 is unable to detoxify lipid hydroperoxide species, leading to ferroptotic cell death. Derivatives of erastin have been prepared to improve aqueous solubility, potency, and metabolic stability, with imidazole ketone erastin (IKE) being the most extensively studied. [33] [96] [97]
RSL3 and ML162 contain chloroacetamide moieties that can covalently react with nucleophilic residues. RSL3 and ML162 are able to bind to and inhibit GPX4 enzymatic activity or degrade GPX4 in lysate-based assays, [71] [33] [98] though it has been found that RSL3 and ML162 do not inhibit purified GPX4 in vitro and target other selenoproteins such as thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1). [99] However, other TXNRD1 inhibitors do not trigger ferroptosis, suggesting that TXNRD1 inhibition is not sufficient to trigger ferroptosis. [99] The GPX4-inhibiting activity of RSL3 has also been suggested to be regulated by other factors such as 14-3-3ε [100] or through broad targeting of the selenoproteome. [101]
ML210 contains a nitroisoxazole group that acts as a masked nitrile-oxide electrophile. Specifically, in cellular and lysate contexts, ML210 undergoes ring-opening hydrolysis followed by a retro-Claisen-like condensation and ring-closing hydration to yield an unstable furoxan. Through a ring-opening tautomerization, this furoxan then yields a nitrile oxide that selectively reacts with selenocysteine residue 46 of GPX4. [102]
Upstream of GPX4, depletion of GSH by inhibiting GSH biosynthesis also induces ferroptosis. Work from Kojin Therapeutics and Ono Pharmaceutical has demonstrated that inhibition of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH biosynthesis, induces ferroptosis in cancer cell lines. [62] [103] GCL also suppresses ferroptosis through a GSH-independent mechanisms such as limiting glutamate accumulation. [104] Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) has been commonly used as a tool compound to inhibit GCL, though BSO is relatively low potency. [33] [62] [71] Accordingly, analogues have been reported that show improved potency and pharmacological properties that may be used in in vivo studies. [62] [103]
FSP1 inhibition is generally not sufficient to induce ferroptosis but FSP1 inhibitors such as iFSP1 (targeting the CoQ10 binding site) and viFSP1 (versatile inhibitor of FSP1; targeting the NAD(P)H binding pocket) have been explored as ferroptosis sensitizers. [36] [105] [106] [107] iFSP1 is not usable in rodent models, though viFSP1 is species-independent. [106] FSEN1 is an uncompetitive inhibitor of FSP1 that binds to the FSP1–NADH–CoQ complex. [105] 3-Phenylquinazolines (represented by icFSP1) do not competitively inhibit FSP1 enzymatic activity but rather trigger phase separation of FSP1 followed by induction of ferroptosis. [108] Notably, FSP1 activity can compensate for GPX4 loss and suppress ferroptosis in certain contexts. [35]
Ferroptosis can be inhibited by lipophilic radical trapping antioxidants such as ferrostatin-1, [1] [3] liproxstatin-1, [3] and vitamin E. [30] Chelation of iron by agents such as desferrioxamine mesylate (DFO) also prevents lipid peroxidation and suppresses ferroptosis. [31] [109]
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. Autoxidation leads to degradation of organic compounds, including living matter. Antioxidants are frequently added to industrial products, such as polymers, fuels, and lubricants, to extend their usable lifetimes. Foods are also treated with antioxidants to forestall spoilage, in particular the rancidification of oils and fats. In cells, antioxidants such as glutathione, mycothiol, or bacillithiol, and enzyme systems like superoxide dismutase, can prevent damage from oxidative stress.
Glutathione is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOCOCH(NH2)CH2CH2CONHCH(CH2SH)CONHCH2COOH. It is an antioxidant in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea. Glutathione is capable of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by sources such as reactive oxygen species, free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. It is a tripeptide with a gamma peptide linkage between the carboxyl group of the glutamate side chain and cysteine. The carboxyl group of the cysteine residue is attached by normal peptide linkage to glycine.
In chemistry and biology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive chemicals formed from diatomic oxygen (O2), water, and hydrogen peroxide. Some prominent ROS are hydroperoxide (O2H), superoxide (O2−), hydroxyl radical (OH.), and singlet oxygen. ROS are pervasive because they are readily produced from O2, which is abundant. ROS are important in many ways, both beneficial and otherwise. ROS function as signals, that turn on and off biological functions. They are intermediates in the redox behavior of O2, which is central to fuel cells. ROS are central to the photodegradation of organic pollutants in the atmosphere. Most often however, ROS are discussed in a biological context, ranging from their effects on aging and their role in causing dangerous genetic mutations.
4-Hydroxynonenal, or 4-hydroxy-2E-nonenal or 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal or 4-HNE or HNE,, is an α,β-unsaturated hydroxyalkenal that is produced by lipid peroxidation in cells. 4-HNE is the primary α,β-unsaturated hydroxyalkenal formed in this process. It is a colorless oil. It is found throughout animal tissues, and in higher quantities during oxidative stress due to the increase in the lipid peroxidation chain reaction, due to the increase in stress events. 4-HNE has been hypothesized to play a key role in cell signal transduction, in a variety of pathways from cell cycle events to cellular adhesion.
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), previously known as ligandins, are a family of eukaryotic and prokaryotic phase II metabolic isozymes best known for their ability to catalyze the conjugation of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) to xenobiotic substrates for the purpose of detoxification. The GST family consists of three superfamilies: the cytosolic, mitochondrial, and microsomal—also known as MAPEG—proteins. Members of the GST superfamily are extremely diverse in amino acid sequence, and a large fraction of the sequences deposited in public databases are of unknown function. The Enzyme Function Initiative (EFI) is using GSTs as a model superfamily to identify new GST functions.
Respiratory burst is the rapid release of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, from different cell types.
Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through the production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. Oxidative stress from oxidative metabolism causes base damage, as well as strand breaks in DNA. Base damage is mostly indirect and caused by the reactive oxygen species generated, e.g., O−
2, OH and H2O2. Further, some reactive oxidative species act as cellular messengers in redox signaling. Thus, oxidative stress can cause disruptions in normal mechanisms of cellular signaling.
Stuart Schreiber is an American chemist who is the Morris Loeb Research Professor at Harvard University, a co-founder of the Broad Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Emeritus, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine. He currently leads Arena BioWorks.
Glutathione peroxidase 4, also known as GPX4, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the GPX4 gene. GPX4 is a phospholipid hydroperoxidase that protects cells against membrane lipid peroxidation.
DNA damage-inducible transcript 3, also known as C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), is a pro-apoptotic transcription factor that is encoded by the DDIT3 gene. It is a member of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family of DNA-binding transcription factors. The protein functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor by forming heterodimers with other C/EBP members, preventing their DNA binding activity. The protein is implicated in adipogenesis and erythropoiesis and has an important role in the cell's stress response.
Apoptosis-inducing factor 2 (AIFM2), also known as ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), apoptosis-inducing factor-homologous mitochondrion-associated inducer of death (AMID), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AIFM2 gene, also known as p53-responsive gene 3 (PRG3), on chromosome 10.
Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx-3), also known as plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx-P) or extracellular glutathione peroxidase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the GPX3 gene.
Glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPx-5), also known as epididymal secretory glutathione peroxidase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the GPX5 gene.
Immunogenic cell death is any type of cell death eliciting an immune response. Both accidental cell death and regulated cell death can result in immune response. Immunogenic cell death contrasts to forms of cell death that do not elicit any response or even mediate immune tolerance.
Nitrogen dioxide poisoning is the illness resulting from the toxic effect of nitrogen dioxide. It usually occurs after the inhalation of the gas beyond the threshold limit value. Nitrogen dioxide is reddish-brown with a very harsh smell at high concentrations, at lower concentrations it is colorless but may still have a harsh odour. Nitrogen dioxide poisoning depends on the duration, frequency, and intensity of exposure.
13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) is the commonly used term for 13(S)-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13(S)-HODE). The production of 13(S)-HODE is often accompanied by the production of its stereoisomer, 13(R)-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13(R)-HODE). The adjacent figure gives the structure for the (S) stereoisomer of 13-HODE. Two other naturally occurring 13-HODEs that may accompany the production of 13(S)-HODE are its cis-trans (i.e., 9E,11E) isomers viz., 13(S)-hydroxy-9E,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13(S)-EE-HODE) and 13(R)-hydroxy-9E,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13(R)-EE-HODE). Studies credit 13(S)-HODE with a range of clinically relevant bioactivities; recent studies have assigned activities to 13(R)-HODE that differ from those of 13(S)-HODE; and other studies have proposed that one or more of these HODEs mediate physiological and pathological responses, are markers of various human diseases, and/or contribute to the progression of certain diseases in humans. Since, however, many studies on the identification, quantification, and actions of 13(S)-HODE in cells and tissues have employed methods that did not distinguish between these isomers, 13-HODE is used here when the actual isomer studied is unclear.
Erastin is a small molecule capable of initiating ferroptotic cell death. Erastin binds and activates voltage-dependent anion channels (VDAC) by reversing tubulin's inhibition on VDAC2 and VDAC3, and functionally inhibits the cystine-glutamate antiporter system Xc−. Cells treated with erastin are deprived of cysteine and are unable to synthesize the antioxidant glutathione. Depletion of glutathione eventually leads to excessive lipid peroxidation and cell death.
Deulinoleate ethyl is an experimental, orally-bioavailable synthetic deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), a part of reinforced lipids. It is an isotopologue of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 PUFA. The deuterated compound, while identical to natural linoleic acid except for the presence of deuterium, is resistant to lipid peroxidation which makes studies of its cell-protective properties worthwhile.
Ironomycin is a derivative of salinomycin and potent small molecule against persister cancer stem cells, that is under preclinical evaluation by SideROS for the treatment of cancer. Ironomycin was shown to induce ferroptosis in breast cancer cell lines and its mechanism of action involves the targeting of lysosomal iron.
Reinforced lipids are lipid molecules in which some of the fatty acids contain deuterium. They can be used for the protection of living cells by slowing the chain reaction due to isotope effect on lipid peroxidation. The lipid bilayer of the cell and organelle membranes contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are key components of cell and organelle membranes. Any process that either increases oxidation of PUFAs or hinders their ability to be replaced can lead to serious disease. Correspondingly, use of reinforced lipids that stop the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation has preventive and therapeutic potential.