HDLBP-stabilized lncFAL inhibits ferroptosis vulnerability by diminishing Trim69-dependent FSP1 degradation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside

The most widespread type of liver cancer, HCC, is associated with disabled cellular death pathways. Despite therapeutic advancements, resistance to current systemic treatments (including sorafenib) compromises the prognosis of patients with HCC, driving the search for agents that might target novel cell death pathways. Ferroptosis, a form of iron-mediated nonapoptotic cell death, has gained considerable attention as a potential target for cancer therapy, especially in HCC. The role of ferroptosis in HCC is complex and diverse. On one hand, ferroptosis can contribute to the progression of HCC through its involvement in both acute and chronic liver conditions. In contrast, having ferroptosis affect HCC cells might be desirable. This review examines the role of ferroptosis in HCC from cellular, animal, and human perspectives while examining its mechanisms, regulation, biomarkers, and clinical implications.

Protein modification and degradation in ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-related oxidative cell death governed by an integrated redox system, encompassing pro-oxidative proteins and antioxidative proteins. These proteins undergo precise control through diverse post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, SUMOylation, methylation, N-myristoylation, palmitoylation, and oxidative modification. These modifications play pivotal roles in regulating protein stability, activity, localization, and interactions, ultimately influencing both the buildup of iron and lipid peroxidation. In mammalian cells, regulators of ferroptosis typically undergo degradation via two principal pathways: the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which handles the majority of protein degradation, and autophagy, primarily targeting long-lived or aggregated proteins. This comprehensive review aims to summarize recent advances in the post-translational modification and degradation of proteins linked to ferroptosis. It also discusses strategies for modulating ferroptosis through protein modification and degradation systems, providing new insights into potential therapeutic applications for both cancer and non-neoplastic diseases.

UBAP2 contributes to radioresistance by enhancing homologous recombination through SLC27A5 ubiquitination in hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiotherapy stands as an effective method in the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, both primary and acquired radioresistance limit its clinical application in HCC. Therefore, investigating the mechanism of radioresistance may provide other options for treating HCC. Based on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and HCC transcriptome datasets, 227 feature genes with prognostic value were selected to establish the tSNE score. The tSNE score emerged as an independent prognostic factor for HCC and correlated with cell proliferation and radioresistance-related biological functions. UBAP2 was identified as the most relevant gene with the tSNE score, consistently elevated in human HCC samples, and positively associated with patient prognosis. Functionally, UBAP2 knockdown impeded HCC development and reduced radiation resistance in vitro and in vivo. The ectopic expression of SLC27A5 reversed the effects of UBAP2. Mechanically, we uncovered that UBAP2, through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, decreased the homologous recombination-related gene RAD51, not the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ)-related gene CTIP, by degrading the antioncogene SLC27A5, thereby generating radioresistance in HCC. The findings recapitulated that UBAP2 promoted HCC progression and radioresistance via SLC27A5 stability mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It was also suggested that targeting the UBAP2/SLC27A5 axis could be a valuable radiosensitization strategy in HCC.

CRISPR screening identifies PRMT1 as a key pro-ferroptotic gene via a two-layer regulatory mechanism

Ferroptosis is a form of nonapoptotic cell death characterized by iron-dependent peroxidation of polyunsaturated phospholipids. However, much remains unknown about the regulators of ferroptosis. Here, using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genetic screening, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) as a crucial promoter of ferroptosis. We find that PRMT1 decreases the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) to limit the abundance of intracellular glutathione (GSH). Moreover, we show that PRMT1 interacts with ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), a GSH-independent ferroptosis suppressor, to inhibit the membrane localization and enzymatic activity of FSP1 through arginine dimethylation at R316, thus reducing CoQ10H2 content and inducing ferroptosis sensitivity. Importantly, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of PRMT1 in mice prevents ferroptotic events in the liver and improves the overall survival under concanavalin A (ConA) exposure. Hence, our findings suggest that PRMT1 is a key regulator of ferroptosis and a potential target for antiferroptosis therapeutics.

The regulatory mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine modification in ferroptosis and its implications in disease pathogenesis

HEADING AIMS

Based on the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which m6A influences ferroptosis, our objective is to underscore the intricate and interdependent relationships between m6A and the principal regulatory pathways of ferroptosis, as well as other molecules, emphasizing its relevance to diseases associated with this cell death mode.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a literature search using the keywords "m6A and ferroptosis" across PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline. The search was limited to English-language publications from 2017 to 2024. Retrieved articles were managed using Endnote software. Two authors independently screened the search results and reviewed the full texts of selected articles.

KEY FINDINGS

Abnormal m6A levels are often identified as critical regulators of ferroptosis. Specifically, "writers", "readers" and "erasers" that dynamically modulate m6A function regulate various pathways in ferroptosis including iron metabolism, lipid metabolism and antioxidant system. Additionally, we provide an overview of the role of m6A-mediated ferroptosis in multiple diseases and summarize the potential applications of m6A-mediated ferroptosis, including its use as a therapeutic target for diseases and as diagnostic as well as prognostic biomarkers.

SIGNIFICANCE

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, a prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, is crucial in regulating various aspects of RNA metabolism. Notably, accumulating evidence has implicated m6A modification in ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death characterized by elevated iron levels and lipid peroxide accumulation. Overall, this review sheds light on the potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of m6A regulators in addressing conditions associated with ferroptosis.

Programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. A deeper understanding of the cell death mechanisms in HCC is essential for developing more effective treatment strategies. This review explores programmed cell death (PCD) pathways involved in HCC, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and immunogenic cell death (ICD). These mechanisms trigger specific cell death cascades that influence the development and progression of HCC. Although multiple PCD pathways are involved in HCC, shared cellular factors suggest a possible interplay between the different forms of cell death. However, the exact roles of different cell death pathways in HCC and which cell death pathway plays a major role remain unclear. This review also highlights how disruptions in cell death pathways are related to drug resistance in cancer therapy, promoting a combined approach of cell death induction and anti-tumor treatment to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Further research is required to unravel the complex interplay between cell death modalities in HCC, which may lead to innovative therapeutic breakthroughs.

Inhibition of FSP1: A new strategy for the treatment of tumors (Review)

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, is intricately linked to iron‑dependent lipid peroxidation. Recent evidence strongly supports the induction of ferroptosis as a promising strategy for treating cancers resistant to conventional therapies. A key player in ferroptosis regulation is ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), which promotes cancer cell resistance by promoting the production of the antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10. Of note, FSP1 confers resistance to ferroptosis independently of the glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase‑4 pathway. Therefore, targeting FSP1 to weaken its inhibition of ferroptosis may be a viable strategy for treating refractory cancer. This review aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, the specific pathway by which FSP1 suppresses ferroptosis and the effect of FSP1 inhibitors on cancer cells.

Targeting the regulation of iron homeostasis as a potential therapeutic strategy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

With aging and the increasing incidence of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD mainly includes simple hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An imbalance in hepatic iron homeostasis is usually associated with the progression of NAFLD and induces iron overload, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxide accumulation, which leads to ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a unique type of programmed cell death (PCD) that is characterized by iron dependence, ROS production and lipid peroxidation. The ferroptosis inhibition systems involved in NAFLD include the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)/coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) regulatory axes. The main promotion system involved is the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family (ACSL4)/arachidonic lipoxygenase 15 (ALOX15) axis. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the multiple roles of iron homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis in the progression of NAFLD. This review highlights the latest studies about iron homeostasis imbalance- and ferroptosis-associated NAFLD, mainly including the physiology and pathophysiology of hepatic iron metabolism, hepatic iron homeostasis imbalance during the development of NAFLD, and key regulatory molecules and roles of hepatic ferroptosis in NAFLD. This review aims to provide innovative therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.

METTL3-modified lncRNA DSCAM-AS1 promotes breast cancer progression through inhibiting ferroptosis

Numerous studies have indicated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and lncRNAs play pivotal roles in human cancer. However, the underlying functions and mechanisms of m6A-lncRNA in the physiological processes of breast cancer remain unclear. Here, we found that DSCAM-AS1 is an m6A-modified lncRNA that was overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and cells, indicating poor clinical prognosis. Gain/loss functional assays suggested that DSCAM-AS1 inhibited erastin-induced ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, there were remarkable m6A modification sites on both the 3'-UTR of DSCAM-AS1 and the endogenous antioxidant factor SLC7A11. M6A methyltransferase methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) methylated both SLC7A11 and DSCAM-AS1. Moreover, DSCAM-AS1 recognized m6A sites on the SLC7A11 mRNA, thereby enhancing its stability. Taken together, these findings indicated a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer ferroptosis in an m6A-dependent manner.

FSP1-mediated ferroptosis in cancer: from mechanisms to therapeutic applications

Ferroptosis is a new discovered regulated cell death triggered by the ferrous ion (Fe2+)-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides associated with cancer and many other diseases. The mechanism of ferroptosis includes oxidation systems (such as enzymatic oxidation and free radical oxidation) and antioxidant systems (such as GSH/GPX4, CoQ10/FSP1, BH4/GCH1 and VKORC1L1/VK). Among them, ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), as a crucial regulatory factor in the antioxidant system, has shown a crucial role in ferroptosis. FSP1 has been well validated to ferroptosis in three ways, and a variety of intracellular factors and drug molecules can alleviate ferroptosis via FSP1, which has been demonstrated to alter the sensitivity and effectiveness of cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This review aims to provide important frameworks that, bring the regulation of FSP1 mediated ferroptosis into cancer therapies on the basis of existing studies.

Targeting ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 in cancer therapy: Implications and perspectives, with emphasis on head and neck cancer

The diverse functions of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1/AIFM2) in cancer have positioned it as a promising therapeutic target across various malignancies, including head and neck cancer (HNC). Initially characterized as a potential tumor suppressor due to its involvement in apoptosis and ferroptosis, recent studies have revealed its complex role in tumor growth, metabolism, and therapy resistance. Pharmacological inhibition of FSP1 shows potential in sensitizing cancer cells to ferroptosis and overcoming resistance to conventional therapies, offering new avenues for precision medicine approaches. Identifying novel FSP1 inhibitors and their synergistic effects with existing therapies presents exciting opportunities for therapeutic development. However, translating preclinical findings into clinical practice requires the refinement of FSP1 inhibitors, robust biomarkers for patient stratification, and further investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying FSP1-mediated therapy resistance. Integrating FSP1-targeted therapies into comprehensive treatment regimens holds promise for improving outcomes in cancer patients and advancing the field of precision oncology.

The multifaceted perspectives on the regulation of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma ferroptosis: from bench-to-bedside

Despite being characterized by high malignancy, high morbidity, and low survival rates, the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death, possesses distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics compared to other types of cell death. Dysregulated actions within the molecular network that regulates ferroptosis have been identified as significant contributors to the progression of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as influential contributors to diverse cellular processes, regulating gene function and expression through multiple mechanistic pathways. An increasing body of evidence indicates that deregulated lncRNAs are implicated in regulating malignant events such as cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metabolism by influencing ferroptosis in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the inherent role of ferroptosis and the modulatory functions of lncRNAs on ferroptosis in HCC might promote the development of novel therapeutic interventions for this disease. This review provides a succinct overview of the roles of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in HCC progression and treatment, aiming to drive the development of promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HCC patients.

Current Progress of Ferroptosis Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Ferroptosis, an emerging type of programmed cell death, is initiated by iron-dependent and excessive ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation, which eventually leads to plasma membrane rupture and cell death. Many canonical signalling pathways and biological processes are involved in ferroptosis. Furthermore, cancer cells are more susceptible to ferroptosis due to the high load of ROS and unique metabolic characteristics, including iron requirements. Recent investigations have revealed that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of tumours, especially HCC. Specifically, the induction of ferroptosis can not only inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells, thereby reversing tumorigenesis, but also improves the efficacy of immunotherapy and enhances the antitumour immune response. Therefore, triggering ferroptosis has become a new therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of ferroptosis based on its underlying mechanism and role in HCC and provide possible therapeutic applications.

Overview of the interplay between m6A methylation modification and non-coding RNA and their impact on tumor cells

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common internal modifications in eukaryotic RNA. The presence of m6A on transcripts can affect a series of fundamental cellular processes, including mRNA splicing, nuclear transportation, stability, and translation. The m6A modification is introduced by m6A methyltransferases (writers), removed by demethylases (erasers), and recognized by m6A-binding proteins (readers). Current research has demonstrated that m6A methylation is involved in the regulation of malignant phenotypes in tumors by controlling the expression of cancer-related genes. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins and are widely present in the human genome. This group includes microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and PIWI interaction RNAs (piRNAs). They function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors through various mechanisms, regulating the initiation and progression of cancer. Previous studies on m6A primarily focused on coding RNAs, but recent discoveries have revealed the significant regulatory role of m6A in ncRNAs. Simultaneously, ncRNAs also exert their influence by modulating the stability, splicing, translation, and other biological processes of m6A-related enzymes. The interplay between m6A and ncRNAs collectively contributes to the occurrence and progression of malignant tumors in humans. This review provides an overview of the interactions between m6A regulatory factors and ncRNAs and their impact on tumors.

FTO deficiency in older livers exacerbates ferroptosis during ischaemia/reperfusion injury by upregulating ACSL4 and TFRC

Older livers are more prone to hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI), which severely limits their utilization in liver transplantation. The potential mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate older livers exhibit increased ferroptosis during HIRI. Inhibiting ferroptosis significantly attenuates older HIRI phenotypes. Mass spectrometry reveals that fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) expression is downregulated in older livers, especially during HIRI. Overexpressing FTO improves older HIRI phenotypes by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanistically, acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family 4 (ACSL4) and transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFRC), two key positive contributors to ferroptosis, are FTO targets. For ameliorative effect, FTO requires the inhibition of Acsl4 and Tfrc mRNA stability in a m6A-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate nicotinamide mononucleotide can upregulate FTO demethylase activity, suppressing ferroptosis and decreasing older HIRI. Collectively, these findings reveal an FTO-ACSL4/TFRC regulatory pathway that contributes to the pathogenesis of older HIRI, providing insight into the clinical translation of strategies related to the demethylase activity of FTO to improve graft function after older donor liver transplantation.

Idebenone alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by stabilizing FSP1 to inhibit ferroptosis

Doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated cardiotoxicity can exacerbate mortality in oncology patients, but related pharmacotherapeutic measures are relatively limited. Ferroptosis was recently identified as a major mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Idebenone, a novel ferroptosis inhibitor, is a well-described clinical drug widely used. However, its role and pathological mechanism in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of idebenone on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and elucidated its underlying mechanism. A single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg/kg) was administrated to establish DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The results showed that idebenone significantly attenuated DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction due to its ability to regulate acute DOX-induced Fe2+ and ROS overload, which resulted in ferroptosis. CESTA and BLI further revealed that idebenone's anti-ferroptosis effect was mediated by FSP1. Interestingly, idebenone increased FSP1 protein levels but did not affect Fsp1 mRNA levels in the presence of DOX. Idebenone could form stable hydrogen bonds with FSP1 protein at K355, which may influence its association with ubiquitin. The results confirmed that idebenone stabilized FSP1 protein levels by inhibiting its ubiquitination degradation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates idebenone attenuated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulation of FSP1, making it a potential clinical drug for patients receiving DOX treatment.

Ferroptosis in ulcerative colitis: Potential mechanisms and promising therapeutic targets

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex immune-mediated chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is mainly characterized by diffuse inflammation of the colonic and rectal mucosa with barrier function impairment. Identifying new biomarkers for the development of more effective UC therapies remains a pressing task for current research. Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. As research deepens, ferroptosis has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathological processes of numerous diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of UC is associated with ferroptosis, and the regulation of ferroptosis provides new opportunities for UC treatment. However, the specific mechanisms by which ferroptosis participates in the development of UC remain to be more fully and thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the research advances in the mechanism of ferroptosis in recent years and describe the potential role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of UC. In addition, we explore the underlying role of the crosslinked pathway between ferroptosis and other mechanisms such as macrophages, neutrophils, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and gut microbiota in UC. Finally, we also summarize the potential compounds that may act as ferroptosis inhibitors in UC in the future.

Ferroptosis: a critical mechanism of N6-methyladenosine modification involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulatory cell necrosis induced by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. It occurs when multiple redox-active enzymes are ectopically expressed or show abnormal function. Hence, the precise regulation of ferroptosis-related molecules is mediated across multiple levels, including transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and epigenetic levels. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly evolutionarily conserved epigenetic modification in mammals. The m6A modification is commonly linked to tumor proliferation, progression, and therapy resistance because it is involved in RNA metabolic processes. Intriguingly, accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated ferroptosis caused by the m6A modification drives tumor development. In this review, we summarized the roles of m6A regulators in ferroptosis-mediated malignant tumor progression and outlined the m6A regulatory mechanism involved in ferroptosis pathways. We also analyzed the potential value and application strategies of targeting m6A/ferroptosis pathway in the clinical diagnosis and therapy of tumors.

Ferroptosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: the emerging role of lncRNAs

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of primary liver cancer and poses a significant challenge to the medical community because of its high mortality rate. In recent years, ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death, has garnered widespread attention. Ferroptosis, which is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial alterations, is closely associated with the pathological processes of various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are a type of functional RNA, and play crucial regulatory roles in a variety of biological processes. In this manuscript, we review the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in the key aspects of ferroptosis, and summarize the research progress on ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Crosstalk between m6A modification and non-coding RNAs in HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high morbidity and occurrence. Although various therapeutic approaches have been rapidly developed in recent years, the underlying molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of HCC remain enigmatic. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is believed to regulate RNA metabolism and further gene expression. This process is intricately regulated by multiple regulators, such as methylases and demethylases. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of the epigenetic modification, mRNA transcription and other biological processes, exhibiting crucial roles in tumor occurrence and development. The m6A-ncRNA interaction has been implicated in the malignant phenotypes of HCC and plays an important role in drug resistance. This review summarizes the effect of m6A-ncRNA crosstalk on HCC progression and their clinical implications as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in this disease.

Negative Regulation of LINC01013 by METTL3 and YTHDF2 Enhances the Osteogenic Differentiation of Senescent Pre-Osteoblast Cells Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide

Senescent pre-osteoblasts have a reduced ability to differentiate, which leads to a reduction in bone formation. It is critical to identify the keys that regulate the differentiation fate of senescent pre-osteoblasts. LINC01013 has an essential role in cell stemness, differentiation, and senescence regulation. This study aims to examine the role and mechanism of LINC01013 in regulating osteogenic differentiation in senescent human embryonic osteoblast cell line (hFOB1.19) cells induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results show that LINC01013 decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization of hFOB1.19 cells in vitro, and the expression of collagen II, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein. LINC01013 knockdown enhances the osteogenesis of hFOB1.19 cells and rescues osteogenic differentiation impaired by H2O2. METTL3 negatively regulates LINC01013 expression, enhancing hFOB1.19 cells' osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. METTL3 overexpression can enhance hFOB1.19 cells' osteogenic differentiation impaired by H2O2. YTHDF2 promotes LINC01013 decay, facilitating osteogenic differentiation. YTHDF2 overexpression rescues hFOB1.19 cells osteogenic differentiation impaired by H2O2. Taken together, METTL3 upregulates osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting LINC01013, and YTHDF2 accelerates LINC01013 degradation, reducing its inhibitory effect. This study highlights LINC01013 as a key regulator in the fate switching process of senescent hFOB1.19 cells, impacting osteogenic differentiation.

Dihydroartemisinin induces ferroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting ATF4-xCT pathway

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging due to population growth, frequent recurrence and drug resistance. Targeting of genes involved with the ferroptosis is a promising alternative treatment strategy for HCC. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) against HCC and explore the underlying mechanisms. The effects of DHA on induction of ferroptosis were investigated with the measurement of malondialdehyde concentrations, oxidised C11 BODIPY 581/591 staining, as well as subcutaneous xenograft experiments. Activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11 or xCT) were overexpressed with lentiviruses to verify the target of DHA. Here, we confirmed the anticancer effect of DHA in inducing ferroptosis is related to ATF4. High expression of ATF4 is related to worse clinicopathological prognosis of HCC. Mechanistically, DHA inhibited the expression of ATF4, thereby promoting lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis of HCC cells. Overexpression of ATF4 rescued DHA-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, ATF4 could directly bound to the SLC7A11 promoter and increase its transcription. In addition, DHA enhances the chemosensitivity of sorafenib on HCC in vivo and in vitro. These findings confirm that DHA induces ferroptosis of HCC via inhibiting ATF4-xCT pathway, thereby providing new drug options for the treatment of HCC.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers of human, the tumor-related death of which ranks third among the common malignances. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, the most abundant internal modification of RNA in mammals, participates in the metabolism of mRNA and interrelates with ncRNAs. In this paper, we overviewed the complex function of m6A regulators in HCC, including regulating the tumorigenesis, progression, prognosis, stemness, metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, ferroptosis, drug resistance and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Furthermore, we elucidated the interplay between m6A modification and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Finally, we summarized the potential of m6A regulators as diagnostic biomarkers. What's more, we reviewed the inhibitors targeting m6A enzymes as promising therapeutic targets of HCC. We aimed to help understand the function of m6A methylation in HCC systematically and comprehensively so that more effective strategies for HCC treatment will be developed.

Ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, from mechanism to effect

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, characterized by high malignancy and rapid progression. Most cases are diagnosed at intermediate to advanced stages. Current treatment methods have limited efficacy, resulting in high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. Radical hepatectomy remains the primary treatment for HCC, complemented by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Despite significant improvement in patient prognosis with radical hepatectomy, the five-year survival rate post-surgery remains low; thus necessitating exploration of more effective therapeutic approaches. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of cell death that can modulate the occurrence and development of HCC through various mechanisms. This article aims to elucidate the mechanism of ferroptosis and its impact on HCC development to provide novel insights for diagnosis and treatment.

The ubiquitin codes in cellular stress responses

Ubiquitination/ubiquitylation, one of the most fundamental post-translational modifications, regulates almost every critical cellular process in eukaryotes. Emerging evidence has shown that essential components of numerous biological processes undergo ubiquitination in mammalian cells upon exposure to diverse stresses, from exogenous factors to cellular reactions, causing a dazzling variety of functional consequences. Various forms of ubiquitin signals generated by ubiquitylation events in specific milieus, known as ubiquitin codes, constitute an intrinsic part of myriad cellular stress responses. These ubiquitination events, leading to proteolytic turnover of the substrates or just switch in functionality, initiate, regulate, or supervise multiple cellular stress-associated responses, supporting adaptation, homeostasis recovery, and survival of the stressed cells. In this review, we attempted to summarize the crucial roles of ubiquitination in response to different environmental and intracellular stresses, while discussing how stresses modulate the ubiquitin system. This review also updates the most recent advances in understanding ubiquitination machinery as well as different stress responses and discusses some important questions that may warrant future investigation.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids-induced ferroptosis suppresses pancreatic cancer growth

Despite recent advances in science and medical technology, pancreatic cancer remains associated with high mortality rates due to aggressive growth and no early clinical sign as well as the unique resistance to anti-cancer chemotherapy. Current numerous investigations have suggested that ferroptosis, which is a programed cell death driven by lipid oxidation, is an attractive therapeutic in different tumor types including pancreatic cancer. Here, we first demonstrated that linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (αLA) induced cell death with necroptotic morphological change in MIA-Paca2 and Suit 2 cell lines. LA and αLA increased lipid peroxidation and phosphorylation of RIP3 and MLKL in pancreatic cancers, which were negated by ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, restoring back to BSA control levels. Similarly, intraperitoneal administration of LA and αLA suppresses the growth of subcutaneously transplanted Suit-2 cells and ameliorated the decreased survival rate of tumor bearing mice, while co-administration of ferrostatin-1 with LA and αLA negated the anti-cancer effect. We also demonstrated that LA and αLA partially showed ferroptotic effects on the gemcitabine-resistant-PK cells, although its effect was exerted late compared to treatment on normal-PK cells. In addition, the trial to validate the importance of double bonds in PUFAs in ferroptosis revealed that AA and EPA had a marked effect of ferroptosis on pancreatic cancer cells, but DHA showed mild suppression of cancer proliferation. Furthermore, treatment in other tumor cell lines revealed different sensitivity of PUFA-induced ferroptosis; e.g., EPA induced a ferroptotic effect on colorectal adenocarcinoma, but LA or αLA did not. Collectively, these data suggest that PUFAs can have a potential to exert an anti-cancer effect via ferroptosis in both normal and gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer.

LINC00942 inhibits ferroptosis and induces the immunosuppression of regulatory T cells by recruiting IGF2BP3/SLC7A11 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis. Long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 942 (LINC00942) is reported to be related to ferroptosis and the immune response in HCC and serves as an oncogene in various cancers. This research aimed to explore the contribution of LINC00942 in HCC progression. Functional assays were used to evaluate the functional role of LINC00942 in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic assays were conducted to assess the association of LINC00942 with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and the regulatory pattern of LINC00942 in HCC cells. LINC00942 was found to exhibit upregulation in HCC tissue and cells. LINC00942 facilitated HCC cell proliferation, suppressed ferroptosis, and converted naive CD4+ T cells to inducible Treg (iTreg) cells by regulating SLC7A11. Furthermore, SLC7A11 expression was positively modulated by LINC00942 in HCC cells. IGF2BP3 was a shared RNA-binding protein (RBP) for LINC00942 and SLC7A11. The binding between the SLC7A11 3' untranslated region and IGF2BP3 was verified, and LINC00942 was found to recruit IGF2BP3 to promote SLC7A11 mRNA stability in an m6A-dependent manner. Moreover, mouse tumor growth and proliferation were inhibited, and the number of FOXP3+CD25+ T cells was increased, while ferroptosis was enhanced after LINC00942 knockdown in vivo. LINC00942 suppresses ferroptosis and induces Treg immunosuppression in HCC by recruiting IGF2BP3 to enhance SLC7A11 mRNA stability, which may provide novel therapeutic targets for HCC.

Gastrodin alleviates cisplatin nephrotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cisplatin (CP) results in acute kidney injury (AKI) and negatively affects patients' therapy and survival. The dried rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume has been used to treat clinical kidney diseases. Gastrodin (GAS) is an active ingredient of the G. elata tuber. It is unknown whether GAS can alleviate CP-induced AKI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate whether GAS, an active ingredient of G. elata Blume, can alleviate CP-induced AKI and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were conducted with a CP-induced AKI mouse model and an immortalized human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2). Serum creatinine, Periodic acid-Schiff staining, tissue iron, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and 4-Hydroxynonenal were detected in serum and kidney samples to observe whether GAS inhibits CP-induced tubule ferroptosis. The drug target was verified by detecting the effects of GAS on sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activity in vitro. Transcriptional regulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) by forkhead box O3A (FOXO3A) was verified by siRNA knockdown, overexpression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The effects of FOXO3A, SIRT1, and GAS on CP-induced ferroptosis were measured with propidium iodide, dihydroethidium, monobromobimane, and dipyrromethene boron difluoride staining in HK-2 cells. The relationship between GAS and the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 pathway was studied using Western blotting.

RESULTS

GAS treatment inhibited CP-induced reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and tubule death in the cell and animal models. GAS activated SIRT1 in vitro. The SIRT1 inhibitor blocked the protective role of GAS in reducing lipid peroxidation in HK-2 cells. FOXO3A transcriptionally regulated GPX4 expression and inhibited CP-induced cell ferroptosis. Compared to CP-damaged mouse kidneys, GAS-treated mice demonstrated significantly increased SIRT1 and GPX4 expression levels, decreased CP-induced acetylation of FOXO3A, and inhibited lipid peroxidation and cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

GAS alleviated CP-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 signaling pathway. The results offer new insights into the development of new anti-AKI drugs from traditional Chinese medicine.

A novel cholesterol metabolism-related ferroptosis pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Emerging studies have reported the contribution of cholesterol to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the specific role and mechanism of cholesterol metabolism on spontaneous and progressive HCC development from the point of view of ferroptosis are still worth exploring. The present study aimed to reveal a novel mechanism of cholesterol metabolism-related ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODS

Two microarray datasets (GSE25097, GSE22058) related to HCC were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Metabolomics analysis was performed by ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). The cholesterol-related proteins were downloaded from HMBD. Ferroptosis-related genes were extracted from FerrDb database. Data sets were separated into two groups. GSE25097 was used to identify ferroptosis-related genes, and GSE22058 was used to verify results. During these processes, chemical-protein interaction (CPI), protein-protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the associated pathway.

RESULTS

We identified 8 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (HAMP, PTGS2, IL1B, ALOX15B, CDKN2A, RRM2, NQO1 and KIF20A) and 4 differentially expressed cholesterol-related genes (LCAT, CH25H, CEL and CYP7A1). Furthermore, based on the predicted results with STITCH, we identified indomethacin and IL1B as the essential node for cholesterol-mediated ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the activities of plasma IL1B in liver cancer patients enrolled have been significantly affected by the level of plasma cholesterol (P < 0.001) and the test result of IL1B is a predictor variable causing the changes of serum Fe levels (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings shed new light on the association between cholesterol metabolism and ferroptosis in HCC, and suggest that IL1B is the necessary node for cholesterol to lead to ferroptosis process in HCC. Also, we identified the potential role of indomethacin in adjuvant therapy of HCC with complications of abnormal cholesterol metabolism.

The high-density lipoprotein binding protein HDLBP is an unusual RNA-binding protein with multiple roles in cancer and disease

The high-density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP) is the human member of an evolutionarily conserved family of RNA-binding proteins, the vigilin protein family. These proteins are characterized by 14 or 15 RNA-interacting KH (heterologous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K homology) domains. While mainly present at the cytoplasmic face of the endoplasmic reticulum, HDLBP and its homologs are also found in the cytosol and nucleus. HDLBP is involved in various processes, including translation, chromosome segregation, cholesterol transport and carcinogenesis. Especially, its association with the latter two has attracted specific interest in the HDLBP's molecular role. In this review, we give an overview of some of the functions of the protein as well as introduce its impact on different kinds of cancer, its connection to lipid metabolism and its role in viral infection. We also aim at addressing the possible use of HDLBP as a drug target or biomarker and discuss its future implications.

Non-coding RNA methylation modifications in hepatocellular carcinoma: interactions and potential implications

RNA methylation modification plays a crucial role as an epigenetic regulator in the oncogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Numerous studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the methylation of protein-coding RNAs in the progression of HCC. Beyond their impact on mRNA, methylation modifications also influence the biological functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Here, we present an advanced and comprehensive overview of the interplay between methylation modifications and ncRNAs in HCC, with a specific focus on their potential implications for the tumor immune microenvironment. Moreover, we summarize promising therapeutic targets for HCC based on methylation-related proteins. In the future, a more profound investigation is warranted to elucidate the effects of ncRNA methylation modifications on HCC pathogenesis and devise valuable intervention strategies. Video Abstract.

Targeting epigenetic and posttranslational modifications regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of diseases

Ferroptosis, a unique modality of cell death with mechanistic and morphological differences from other cell death modes, plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis and offers a new opportunity for modulating anticancer drug resistance. Aberrant epigenetic modifications and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) promote anticancer drug resistance, cancer progression, and metastasis. Accumulating studies indicate that epigenetic modifications can transcriptionally and translationally determine cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis and that ferroptosis functions as a driver in nervous system diseases (NSDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases. In this review, we first summarize the core molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis. Then, the roles of epigenetic processes, including histone PTMs, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA regulation and PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation, are concisely discussed. The roles of epigenetic modifications and PTMs in ferroptosis regulation in the genesis of diseases, including cancers, NSD, CVDs, liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases, as well as the application of epigenetic and PTM modulators in the therapy of these diseases, are then discussed in detail. Elucidating the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation mediated by epigenetic modifications and PTMs in cancer and other diseases will facilitate the development of promising combination therapeutic regimens containing epigenetic or PTM-targeting agents and ferroptosis inducers that can be used to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer and could be used to prevent other diseases. In addition, these mechanisms highlight potential therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in cancer or halt the genesis of other diseases.

Ferroptosis: a new promising target for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixed most common malignant tumor in the world. The study for HCC is mired in the predicament confronted with the difficulty of early diagnosis and high drug resistance, the survival rate of patients with HCC being low. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, has been discovered in recent years as a cell death means with tremendous potential to fight against cancer. The in-depth researches for iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation and dysregulation of antioxidant defense have brought about tangible progress in the firmament of ferroptosis with more and more results showing close connections between ferroptosis and HCC. The potential role of ferroptosis has been widely used in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and nanotherapy, with the development of various new drugs significantly improving the prognosis of patients. Based on the characteristics and mechanisms of ferroptosis, this article further focuses on the main signaling pathways and promising treatments of HCC, envisioning that existing problems in regard with ferroptosis and HCC could be grappled with in the foreseeable future.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system links NADPH metabolism to ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is the type of cell death arising from uncontrolled and excessive lipid peroxidation. NADPH is essential for ferroptosis regulation because it supplies reducing equivalents for antioxidant defense systems and contributes to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, NADPH level serves as a biomarker for predicting the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis. The ubiquitin-proteasome system governs the stability of many ferroptosis effectors. Recent research has revealed MARCHF6, the endoplasmic reticulum ubiquitin ligase, as an unprecedented NADPH sensor in the ubiquitin system and a critical regulator of ferroptosis involved in tumorigenesis and fetal development. This review summarizes the current understanding of NADPH metabolism and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in regulating ferroptosis and highlights the emerging importance of MARCHF6 as a vital connector between NADPH metabolism and ferroptosis.

Deciphering roles of TRIMs as promising targets in hepatocellular carcinoma: current advances and future directions

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family is assigned to RING-finger-containing ligases harboring the largest number of proteins in E3 ubiquitin ligating enzymes. E3 ubiquitin ligases target the specific substrate for proteasomal degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which seems to be a more effective and direct strategy for tumor therapy. Recent advances have demonstrated that TRIM genes associate with the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TRIMs trigger or inhibit multiple biological activities like proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, ferroptosis and autophagy in HCC dependent on its highly conserved yet diverse structures. Remarkably, autophagy is another proteolytic pathway for intracellular protein degradation and TRIM proteins may help to delineate the interaction between the two proteolytic systems. In depth research on the precise molecular mechanisms of TRIM family will allow for targeting TRIM in HCC treatment. We also highlight several potential directions warranted further development associated with TRIM family to provide bright insight into its translational values in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Regulation of m6A modification on ferroptosis and its potential significance in radiosensitization

Radiotherapy is often used to treat various types of cancers, but radioresistance greatly limits the clinical efficiency. Recent studies have shown that radiotherapy can lead to ferroptotic cancer cell deaths. Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death caused by excessive lipid peroxidation. The induction of ferroptosis provides a potential therapeutic strategy for radioresistance. As the most common post-transcriptional modification of mRNA, m6A methylation is widely involved in the regulation of various physiopathological processes by regulating RNA function. Dynamic m6A modification controlled by m6A regulatory factors also affects the susceptibility of cells to ferroptosis, thereby determining the radiosensitivity of tumor cells to radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize the mechanism and significance of radiotherapy induced ferroptosis, analyze the regulatory characteristics of m6A modification on ferroptosis, and discuss the possibility of radiosensitization by enhancing m6A-mediated ferroptosis. Clarifying the regulation of m6A modification on ferroptosis and its significance in the response of tumor cells to radiotherapy will help us identify novel targets to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy and reduce or overcome radioresistance.

Noncoding RNAs in cancer ferroptosis: From biology to clinical opportunity

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered pattern of programmed cell death that is nonapoptotic and irondependent. It is involved in lipid peroxidation dependent on reactive oxygen species. Ferroptosis has been verified to play a crucial regulatory role in a variety of pathological courses of disease, in particularly cancer. Emerging research has highlighted the potential of ferroptosis in tumorigenesis, cancer development and resistance to chemotherapy. However, the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis remains unclear, which limits the application of ferroptosis in cancer treatment. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are noncoding transcripts that regulate gene expression in various ways to affect the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. At present, the biological function and underlying regulatory mechanism of ncRNAs in cancer ferroptosis have been partially elucidated. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of the central regulatory network of ferroptosis, with a focus on the regulatory functions of ncRNAs in cancer ferroptosis. The clinical application and prospects of ferroptosis-related ncRNAs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and anticancer therapies are also discussed. Elucidating the function and mechanism of ncRNAs in ferroptosis, along with assessing the clinical significance of ferroptosis-related ncRNAs, provides new perspectives for understanding cancer biology and treatment approaches, which may benefit numerous cancer patients in the future.

Ferroptosis, Necroptosis, and Pyroptosis in Gastrointestinal Cancers: The Chief Culprits of Tumor Progression and Drug Resistance

In recent years, the incidence of gastrointestinal cancers is increasing, particularly in the younger population. Effective treatment is crucial for improving patients' survival outcomes. Programmed cell death, regulated by various genes, plays a fundamental role in the growth and development of organisms. It is also critical for maintaining tissue and organ homeostasis and takes part in multiple pathological processes. In addition to apoptosis, there are other types of programmed cell death, such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, which can induce severe inflammatory responses. Notably, besides apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis also contribute to the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal cancers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary on the biological roles and molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, as well as their regulators in gastrointestinal cancers and hope to open up new paths for tumor targeted therapy in the near future.

Insights into the role of N6-methyladenosine in ferroptosis

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is one of the most prevalent epigenetic modifications of eukaryotic RNA. m6A methylation is widely associated with many biological processes through the modification of RNA metabolism and is associated with multiple disease states. As a newly discovered regulatory cell death in recent years, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence supports that ferroptosis has a significant role in the progression of diverse diseases. Besides, the key regulators of ferroptosis exhibit aberrant m6A levels under different pathological conditions. However, the correlation between m6A-modified ferroptosis and multiple diseases has not been well elucidated. In this review, we summarized the functions of m6A in ferroptosis, which are associated with the initiation and progression of multiple diseases. Investigating the role of m6A in ferroptosis might both facilitate a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases and provide new opportunities for targeted treatment.

FSP1: a key regulator of ferroptosis

Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) is one of the main regulatory molecules of ferroptosis. FSP1 functions through the FSP1-coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)-NAD(P)H axis and the vitamin K redox cycle. FSP1 is regulated by upstream factors, including transcription factors and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), and is subject to epigenetic modifications, which affect the progress of FSP1-related diseases. FSP1 is closely associated with the poor prognosis of malignant tumors and plays an important role in disease treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of FSP1 in ferroptosis regulation by summarizing regulatory pathways, possible mechanisms involving FSP1, and the relationship between FSP1 and disease prognosis and treatment.

Clinical Significance of Non-Coding RNA Regulation of Programmed Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a widely prevalent and malignantly progressive tumor. Most patients are typically diagnosed with HCC at an advanced stage, posing significant challenges in the execution of curative surgical interventions. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a distinct category of RNA molecules not directly involved in protein synthesis. However, they possess the remarkable ability to regulate gene expression, thereby exerting significant regulatory control over cellular processes. Notably, ncRNAs have been implicated in the modulation of programmed cell death (PCD), a crucial mechanism that various therapeutic agents target in the fight against HCC. This review summarizes the clinical significance of ncRNA regulation of PCD in HCC, including patient diagnosis, prognosis, drug resistance, and side effects. The aim of this study is to provide new insights and directions for the diagnosis and drug treatment strategies of HCC.

Unleashing Ferroptosis in Human Cancers: Targeting Ferroptosis Suppressor Protein 1 for Overcoming Therapy Resistance

Ferroptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lethal lipid peroxidation, has gained increasing attention in cancer therapy. Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), an NAD(P)H-ubiquinone oxidoreductase that reduces ubiquinone to ubiquinol, has emerged as a critical player in the regulation of ferroptosis. FSP1 operates independently of the canonical system xc^-/glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway, making it a promising target for inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells and overcoming ferroptosis resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of FSP1 and ferroptosis, emphasizing the importance of FSP1 modulation and its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment. We also discuss recent progress in developing FSP1 inhibitors and their implications for cancer therapy. Despite the challenges associated with targeting FSP1, advances in this field may provide a strong foundation for developing innovative and effective treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Ferroptosis in gastrointestinal cancer: From mechanisms to implications

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is initiated by excessive lipid peroxidation that results in plasma membrane damage and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns. In recent years, ferroptosis has gained significant attention in cancer research due to its unique mechanism compared to other forms of regulated cell death, especially caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer encompasses malignancies that arise in the digestive tract, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, colon, liver, rectum, anus, and biliary system. These cancers are a global health concern, with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite advances in medical treatments, drug resistance caused by defects in apoptotic pathways remains a persistent challenge in the management of GI cancer. Hence, exploring the role of ferroptosis in GI cancers may lead to more efficacious treatment strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the core mechanism of ferroptosis and discuss its function, regulation, and implications in the context of GI cancers.