Yi-qi-hua-yu-jie-du decoction induces ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer via the AKT/GSK3β/NRF2/GPX4 axis

Delavinone elicits oxidative stress and triggers ferroptosis in colorectal cancer by inhibiting PKCδ-mediated phosphorylation of Nrf2

Ferroptosis is a potential therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies have shown that peimine and its analogs exhibit anti-cancer potential; however, the intricate relationship between ferroptosis and their efficacy in fighting CRC remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to assess the therapeutic impact of peimine and its analogs on CRC and unravel the underlying mechanisms. CRC cells and a DSS/AOM-induced CRC mouse model were employed for in vitro and in vivo experiments, molecular interactions and co-immunoprecipitation were used to identify target proteins. Among the compounds, delavinone significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation and increased cellular lipid ROS levels, MDA accumulation, and GSH depletion; the ferroptosis inhibitors DFO and Fer-1 ameliorated delavinone-induced cell death. Mechanistically, delavinone impedes PKCδ-mediated Nrf2 phosphorylation by inhibiting the kinase activity of PKCδ, thereby decreasing Nrf2 nuclear translocation and downstream GSH synthesis-related gene expression. overexpression of GPX4 weakened the anticancer effect of delavinone, underscoring delavinone's inhibition of the PKCδ/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling axis and induction of ferroptosis in CRC cells. Consistent with in vitro findings, delavinone notably hindered AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinogenesis, exhibiting a pronounced pro-ferroptosis effect on CRC. This study delineates that delavinone exerts its anticancer activity by inducing ferroptosis through PKCδ inhibition, consequently reducing Nrf2 phosphorylation. These findings position delavinone as a promising candidate for CRC treatment.

Ferroptosis in Cancer: A new perspective on T cells

T cells occupy a pivotal position in the immune response against cancer by recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. However, the tumor microenvironment often suppresses the function of T cells, leading to immune evasion and cancer progression. Recent research has unveiled novel connections among T cells, ferroptosis, and cancer. Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death that relies iron and reactive oxygen species and is distinguished by the proliferation of lipid peroxides. Emerging scientific findings underscore the potential of ferroptosis to modulate the function and survival of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, T cells or immunotherapy can also affect cancer by modulating ferroptosis in cancer cells. This review delved into the intricate crosstalk between T cells and ferroptosis in the context of cancer, highlighting the molecular mechanisms involved. We also explored the therapeutic potential of targeting ferroptosis to enhance the anticancer immune response mediated by T cells. Understanding the interplay among T cells, ferroptosis, and cancer may provide new insights into developing innovative cancer immunotherapies.

Sufentanil-induced Nrf2 protein ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing neural ferroptosis

As an oxidative stress and inflammation-related disease, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a prevalent pathogenic factor of ischemic stroke (IS) and seriously degrades the life quality of human beings. As an opioid analgesic for anesthesia, Sufentanil (SUF) can activate the Nrf2 protein-induced anti-oxidant effects, which indicate that SUF may be used as alternative drug for CIRI therapy, but little is known regarding to its molecular mechanisms. Thus, this research aimed to examine whether SUF pre-treatment alleviated CIRI through the modulation of Nrf2 protein-mediated antioxidant activity. Our research revealed that middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R)-treated rats exhibited apparent CIRI-related symptoms and induced damages in rats' brain, which were all notably mitigated in the MCAO/R rats. The subsequent in vitro cellular experiments verified that oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cytotoxicity were apparently reversed by SUF co-treatment in HT22 and BV2 cells, and it was also validated that SUF was capable of suppressing inflammation and ferroptosis in CIRI models by inhibiting oxidative stress-related damages. Mechanistically, the Akt/GSK-3β pathway was excessively activated by SUF to promote Nrf2 protein expressions and enhance Nrf2-meidated anti-oxidant effects, and it was found that SUF-induced protective effects during CIRI progression were all abrogated by co-treating cells with MK2206 (Akt inhibitor), NP-12 (GSK-3β inhibitor), or ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor). In conclusion, SUF activated the Akt/GSK-3β pathway to initiate Nrf2 protein-mediated antioxidant effects, which further suppressed oxidative stress-related inflammation and ferroptosis to ameliorate CIRI progression, and SUF could potentially be used as novel therapeutic agent for CIRI treatment in clinic.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) writer METTL5 represses the ferroptosis and antitumor immunity of gastric cancer

Emerging evidence has shown that ferroptosis and antitumor immunity response of T lymphocytes play critical roles in multiple malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). Here, the present research aims to reveal the function of novel N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase METTL5 on GC immune microenvironment. Clinically, elevated METTL5 was negatively correlated to the prognosis of GC patients. METTL5 high-expression repressed the Fe2+ accumulation and ferroptosis to promote the GC immune evasion escaping from activated PBMCs' killing effect. Mechanistically, upregulation of METTL5 promoted NRF2 mRNA stability, thereby inactivating the ferroptosis and repressing PBMCs' cells antitumor immunity. One valuable finding is that ferroptosis inhibitor (Ferrostatin-1, Fer-1) could reduce the antitumor immunity of cocultured PBMCs. In other words, the increase of ferroptosis might contribute to the anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapy. Further study revealed that m6A reader IGF2BP1 mediated the stability of NRF2 mRNA via METTL5/m6A/NRF2 axis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that METTL5 functions as an oncogene in GC immune microenvironment, and highlights a critical role in T lymphocytes' antitumor immunity.

The Dual Role of NRF2 in Colorectal Cancer: Targeting NRF2 as a Potential Therapeutic Approach

Colorectal cancer (CRC), as the third most common bisexual cancer worldwide, requires urgent research on its underlying mechanisms and intervention methods. NRF2 is an important transcription factor involved in the regulation of redox homeostasis, protein degradation, DNA repair, and other cancer processes, playing an important role in cancer. In recent years, the complex role of NRF2 in CRC has been continuously revealed: on the one hand, it exhibits a chemopreventive effect on cancer by protecting normal cells from oxidative stress, and on the other hand, it also exhibits a protective effect on malignant cells. Therefore, this article explores the dual role of NRF2 and its related signaling pathways in CRC, including their chemical protective properties and promoting effects in the occurrence, development, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance of CRC. In addition, this article focuses on exploring the regulation of NRF2 in CRC ferroptosis, as well as NRF2 drug modulators (activators and inhibitors) targeting CRC, including natural products, compounds, and traditional Chinese medicine formulations.

Artesunate induces melanoma cell ferroptosis and augments antitumor immunity through targeting Ido1

Artesunate (ART), a natural product isolated from traditional Chinese plant Artemisia annua, has not been extensively explored for its anti-melanoma properties. In our study, we found that ART inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and induced melanoma cell ferroptosis. Mechanistic study revealed that ART directly targets Ido1, thereby suppressing Hic1-mediated transcription suppression of Hmox1, resulting in melanoma cell ferroptosis. In CD8+ T cells, ART does not cause cell ferroptosis due to the low expression of Hmox1. It also targets Ido1, elevating tryptophan levels, which inhibits NFATc1-mediated PD1 transcription, consequently activating CD8+ T cells. Our study uncovered a potent and synergistic anti-melanoma efficacy arising from ART-induced melanoma cell ferroptosis and concurrently enhancing CD8+ T cell-mediated immune response both in vivo and in vitro through directly targeting Ido1. Our study provides a novel mechanistic basis for the utilization of ART as an Ido1 inhibitor and application in clinical melanoma treatment.

Epigenetic mechanism of RBM15 in affecting cisplatin resistance in laryngeal carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis

Laryngeal carcinoma (LC) is a common cancer of the respiratory tract. This study aims to investigate the role of RNA-binding motif protein 15 (RBM15) in the cisplatin (DDP) resistance of LC cells. LC-DDP-resistant cells were constructed. RBM15, lysine-specific demethylase 5B (KDM5B), lncRNA Fer-1 like family member 4 (FER1L4), lncRNA KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family (ACSL4) was examined. Cell viability, IC50, and proliferation were assessed after RBM15 downregulation. The enrichment of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) on KDM5B was analyzed. KDM5B mRNA stability was measured after actinomycin D treatment. A tumor xenograft assay was conducted to verify the role of RBM15 in LC. Results showed that RBM15 was upregulated in LC and its knockdown decreased IC50, cell viability, proliferation, glutathione, and upregulated iron ion content, ROS, malondialdehyde, ACSL4, and ferroptosis. Mechanistically, RBM15 improved KDM5B stability in an IGF2BP3-dependent manner, resulting in FER1L4 downregulation and GPX4 upregulation. KDM5B increased KCNQ1OT1 and inhibited ACSL4. KDM5B/KCNQ1OT1 overexpression or FER1L4 knockdown promoted DDP resistance in LC by inhibiting ferroptosis. In conclusion, RBM15 promoted KDM5B expression, and KDM5B upregulation inhibited ferroptosis and promoted DDP resistance in LC by downregulating FER1L4 and upregulating GPX4, as well as by upregulating KCNQ1OT1 and inhibiting ACSL4. Silencing RBM15 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Regulation of ferroptosis by PI3K/Akt signaling pathway: a promising therapeutic axis in cancer

The global challenge posed by cancer, marked by rising incidence and mortality rates, underscores the urgency for innovative therapeutic approaches. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, frequently amplified in various cancers, is central in regulating essential cellular processes. Its dysregulation, often stemming from genetic mutations, significantly contributes to cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy. Concurrently, ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent processes and lipid reactive oxygen species buildup, holds implications for diseases, including cancer. Exploring the interplay between the dysregulated PI3K/Akt pathway and ferroptosis unveils potential insights into the molecular mechanisms driving or inhibiting ferroptotic processes in cancer cells. Evidence suggests that inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway may sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis induction, offering a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of this interplay, shedding light on the potential for disrupting the PI3K/Akt pathway to enhance ferroptosis as an alternative route for inducing cell death and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Targeting ferroptosis unveils a new era for traditional Chinese medicine: a scientific metrology study

In the past 11 years, there has been a surge in studies exploring the regulatory effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on ferroptosis. However, a significant gap persists in comprehensive scientometric analysis and scientific mapping research, especially in tracking the evolution, primary contributors, and emerging research focal points. This study aims to comprehensively update the advancements in targeting ferroptosis with various TCMs during the previous 11 years. The data, covering the period from 1 January 2012, to 30 November 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science database. For in-depth scientometric and visualized analyses, a series of advanced analytical instruments were employed. The findings highlight China's predominant role, accounting for 71.99% of total publications and significantly shaping research in this domain. Noteworthy productivity was observed at various institutions, including Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Zhejiang University. Thomas Efferth emerged as the foremost author within this field, while Frontiers in Pharmacology boasted the highest publication count. This study pinpointed hepatocellular carcinoma, chemical and drug-induced liver injury, mitochondrial diseases, acute kidney injury, and liver failure as the most critical disorders addressed in this research realm. The research offers a comprehensive bibliometric evaluation, enhancing our understanding of the present status of TCM therapy in managing ferroptosis-related diseases. Consequently, it aids both seasoned researchers and newcomers by accelerating access to vital information and fostering innovative concept extraction within this specialized field.

Curcumol Enhances the Sensitivity of Gastric Cancer to Cisplatin Resistance by Inducing Ferroptosis Through the P62/KEAP1/NRF2 Pathway

Background: Chemoresistance represented one of the challenges in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (GC). Curcumol (CUR) was found to have a certain sensitizing effect on chemoresistance, although the mechanism was not yet fully understood. Purpose: To clarify the ability of CUR to intervene in the sensitivity of GC cells to Cisplatin (CDDP) by regulating the induction of ferroptosis through the P62/KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Methods: An in vitro resistant cell line was established and treated with CUR for intervention. The synergy was evaluated using synergyfinder3.0 software. The impact of the combined use of CUR and CDDP on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of resistant GC cells was determined. The effect of CUR on ferroptosis in resistant GC cell lines was evaluated by measuring changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, iron ion levels, and the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Western blotting was used to verify the expression changes of the ferroptosis-related indicator GPX4 and the differential expression of the antioxidant-related pathway P62/KEAP1/NRF2, validating the mechanism by which CUR induces ferroptosis in resistant GC cells. In vivo validation was performed using a xenograft mouse model. Results: The evaluation by synergy3.0 revealed a synergistic effect between CUR and CDDP. After treatment with CUR and CDDP, resistant GC cell lines exhibited reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities. Furthermore, the resistant GC cell lines underwent ferroptosis, with significant changes observed in ferroptosis-related indicators such as ROS, MDA, iron ions, and GSH/GSSG. The ferroptosis-related targets Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the antioxidant pathway P62/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway also showed significant changes. In in vivo validation, the combination of CUR and CDDP inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors and was found to be associated with the inhibition of subcutaneous xenografts and the GPX4 and P62/KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study first revealed that CUR enhanced the sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant GC cells to CDDP by inducing ferroptosis. The combination of CUR and CDDP induces ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant GC through the P62/KEAP1/NRF2 pathway.