TXNDC12 inhibits lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis

A guideline on the molecular ecosystem regulating ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, an intricately regulated form of cell death characterized by uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, has garnered substantial interest since this term was first coined in 2012. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in elucidating the detailed molecular mechanisms that govern ferroptosis induction and defence, with particular emphasis on the roles of heterogeneity and plasticity. In this Review, we discuss the molecular ecosystem of ferroptosis, with implications that may inform and enable safe and effective therapeutic strategies across a broad spectrum of diseases.

ATF family members as therapeutic targets in cancer: From mechanisms to pharmacological interventions

The activating transcription factor (ATF)/ cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) family represents a large group of basic zone leucine zip (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) with a variety of physiological functions, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, amino acid stress, heat stress, oxidative stress, integrated stress response (ISR) and thus inducing cell survival or apoptosis. Interestingly, ATF family has been increasingly implicated in autophagy and ferroptosis in recent years. Thus, the ATF family is important for homeostasis and its dysregulation may promote disease progression including cancer. Current therapeutic approaches to modulate the ATF family include direct modulators, upstream modulators, post-translational modifications (PTMs) modulators. This review summarizes the structural domain and the PTMs feature of the ATF/CREB family and comprehensively explores the molecular regulatory mechanisms. On this basis, their pathways affecting proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance in various types of cancer cells are sorted out and discussed. We then systematically summarize the status of the therapeutic applications of existing ATF family modulators and finally look forward to the future prospect of clinical applications in the treatment of tumors by modulating the ATF family.

Alkaliptosis induction counteracts paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells via ATP6V0D1-mediated ABCB1 inhibition

Paclitaxel serves as the cornerstone chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, yet its prolonged administration frequently culminates in drug resistance, presenting a substantial challenge. Here we reported that inducing alkaliptosis, rather than apoptosis or ferroptosis, effectively overcomes paclitaxel resistance. Mechanistically, ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit D1 (ATP6V0D1), a key regulator of alkaliptosis, plays a pivotal role by mediating the downregulation of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), a multidrug resistance protein. Both ATP6V0D1 overexpression through gene transfection and pharmacological enhancement of ATP6V0D1 protein stability using JTC801 effectively inhibit ABCB1 upregulation, resulting in growth inhibition in drug-resistant cells. Additionally, increasing intracellular pH to alkaline (pH 8.5) via sodium hydroxide application suppresses ABCB1 expression, whereas reducing the pH to acidic conditions (pH 6.5) with hydrochloric acid amplifies ABCB1 expression in drug-resistant cells. Collectively, these results indicate a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for targeting paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer by inducing ATP6V0D1-dependent alkaliptosis.

Ferroptosis resistance in cancer cells: nanoparticles for combination therapy as a solution

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis is currently proposed as one of the most promising means of combating tumor resistance. Nevertheless, the problem of ferroptosis resistance in certain cancer cells has been identified. This review first, investigates the mechanisms of ferroptosis induction in cancer cells. Next, the problem of cancer cell resistance to ferroptosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms is discussed. Recently discovered ferroptosis-suppressing biomarkers have been described. The various types of nanoparticles that can induce ferroptosis are also discussed. Given the ability of nanoparticles to combine multiple agents, this review proposes nanoparticle-based ferroptosis cell death as a viable method of circumventing this resistance. This review suggests combining ferroptosis with other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, cuproptosis and autophagy. It also suggests combining ferroptosis with immunotherapy.

Ciprofloxacin is a novel anti-ferroptotic antibiotic

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are susceptible to various bacterial infections, necessitating prompt and precise antimicrobial treatment with antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is a clinically utilized broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent known for its robust antiseptic activity. While ferroptosis, an oxidative form of cell death, has garnered attention as a promising avenue in cancer therapy, the potential impact of ciprofloxacin on the anticancer effects of ferroptosis remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the potential influence of antibiotics on ferroptosis in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Here, we report a previously unrecognized role of ciprofloxacin in inhibiting ferroptosis in human PDAC cells. Mechanistically, ciprofloxacin suppresses erastin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and ER to nucleus signaling 1 (ERN1) pathway. Excessive ER stress activation can trigger glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) degradation through autophagic mechanisms. In contrast, ciprofloxacin enhances the protein stability of GPX4, a crucial regulator that suppresses ferroptosis by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Thus, our study demonstrates the anti-ferroptotic role of ciprofloxacin, highlighting the importance of careful consideration when contemplating the combination of ciprofloxacin with specific ferroptosis inducers in PDAC patients.

Ferroptotic therapy in cancer: benefits, side effects, and risks

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by iron accumulation and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, leading to plasma membrane rupture and intracellular content release. Originally investigated as a targeted therapy for cancer cells carrying oncogenic RAS mutations, ferroptosis induction now exhibits potential to complement chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy in various cancer types. However, it can lead to side effects, including immune cell death, bone marrow impairment, liver and kidney damage, cachexia (severe weight loss and muscle wasting), and secondary tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the advantages and offer an overview of the diverse range of documented side effects. Furthermore, we examine the underlying mechanisms and explore potential strategies for side effect mitigation.

Adverse effects of ferroptotic therapy: mechanisms and management

Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death characterized by iron accumulation and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, holds promise as a therapeutic approach in cancer treatment, alongside established modalities, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, recent research has raised concerns about its side effects, including damage to immune cells, hematopoietic stem cells, liver, and kidneys, the development of cachexia, and the risk of secondary tumor formation. In this review, we provide an overview of these emerging findings, with a specific emphasis on elucidating the underlying mechanisms, and underscore the critical significance of effectively managing side effects associated with targeted ferroptosis-based therapy.

ATF4 in cellular stress, ferroptosis, and cancer

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a member of the ATF/cAMP response element-binding (CREB) family, plays a critical role as a stress-induced transcription factor. It orchestrates cellular responses, particularly in the management of endoplasmic reticulum stress, amino acid deprivation, and oxidative challenges. ATF4's primary function lies in regulating gene expression to ensure cell survival during stressful conditions. However, when considering its involvement in ferroptosis, characterized by severe lipid peroxidation and pronounced endoplasmic reticulum stress, the ATF4 pathway can either inhibit or promote ferroptosis. This intricate relationship underscores the complexity of cellular responses to varying stress levels. Understanding the connections between ATF4, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress holds promise for innovative cancer therapies, especially in addressing apoptosis-resistant cells. In this review, we provide an overview of ATF4, including its structure, modifications, and functions, and delve into its dual role in both ferroptosis and cancer.

Targeting paraptosis in cancer: opportunities and challenges

Cell death can be classified into two primary categories: accidental cell death and regulated cell death (RCD). Within RCD, there are distinct apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death pathways. Among the various forms of non-apoptotic RCD, paraptosis stands out as a unique mechanism characterized by distinct morphological changes within cells. These alterations encompass cytoplasmic vacuolization, organelle swelling, notably in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the absence of typical apoptotic features, such as cell shrinkage and DNA fragmentation. Biochemically, paraptosis distinguishes itself by its independence from caspases, which are conventionally associated with apoptotic death. This intriguing cell death pathway can be initiated by various cellular stressors, including oxidative stress, protein misfolding, and specific chemical compounds. Dysregulated paraptosis plays a pivotal role in several critical cancer-related processes, such as autophagic degradation, drug resistance, and angiogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in our understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of paraptosis. Additionally, it delves into the potential of paraptosis-related compounds for targeted cancer treatment, with the aim of enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

The Tumor Suppressor SOCS1 Diminishes Tolerance to Oxidative Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

SOCS1 is a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, we showed that a loss of SOCS1 in hepatocytes promotes NRF2 activation. Here, we investigated how SOCS1 expression in HCC cells affected oxidative stress response and modulated the cellular proteome. Murine Hepa1-6 cells expressing SOCS1 (Hepa-SOCS1) or control vector (Hepa-Vector) were treated with cisplatin or tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). The induction of NRF2 and its target genes, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, cell survival and cellular proteome profiles were evaluated. NRF2 induction was significantly reduced in Hepa-SOCS1 cells. The gene and protein expression of NRF2 targets were differentially induced in Hepa-Vector cells but markedly suppressed in Hepa-SOCS1 cells. Hepa-SOCS1 cells displayed an increased induction of reactive oxygen species but reduced lipid peroxidation. Nonetheless, Hepa-SOCS1 cells treated with cisplatin or t-BHP showed reduced survival. GCLC, poorly induced in Hepa-SOCS1 cells, showed a strong positive correlation with NFE2L2 and an inverse correlation with SOCS1 in the TCGA-LIHC transcriptomic data. A proteomic analysis of Hepa-Vector and Hepa-SOCS1 cells revealed that SOCS1 differentially modulated many proteins involved in diverse molecular pathways, including mitochondrial ROS generation and ROS detoxification, through peroxiredoxin and thioredoxin systems. Our findings indicate that maintaining sensitivity to oxidative stress is an important tumor suppression mechanism of SOCS1 in HCC.