Deciphering the potential roles of ferroptosis in regulating tumor immunity and tumor immunotherapy

Design, synthesis and evaluation of diarylidenyl piperidone-ligated platinum (IV) complexes as chemoimmunotherapeutic agents

A set of diarylidenyl piperidone-ligated platinum (IV) complexes 8a‒8d with chemoimmunotherapy effects was designed and synthesized based on introduction of classic STAT3 inhibitors, diarylidenyl piperidones, into an oxaliplatin (OXA)-based skeleton. 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3, 5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay indicated that complexes 8a‒8d exhibited obvious inhibition on T24, MDA-MB-231 and SW480 cell lines compared to OXA, with IC50 values in range of 4.96 ± 0.14-21.1 ± 0.35 μM. SW480 xenograft nude mice assay demonstrated that complexes 8a (2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg), 8b (4 mg/kg) and 8c (4 mg/kg) exhibited effective inhibition on this model with tumor inhibitory rates (TIR) of 46.06 %, 51.18 %, 48.82 % and 42.16 %, respectively, compared with OXA (2 mg/kg, TIR = 31.89 %/34.31 %) during 21-days treatment, while CT-26 xenograft BALB/C mice assay showed that complexes 8a (10 mg/kg), 8b (5 and 10 mg/kg), 8c (5 and 10 mg/kg), and 8d (5 and 10 mg/kg) exhibited effective inhibition of with TIR values of 56.95 %, 56.28 %, 78.02 %, 47.28 %, 63.80 %, 51.90 % and 70.65 %, respectively, compared with OXA (5 mg/kg, TIR = 69.28 %/67.53 %) during 13-days treatment. The pathology results in SW480 and CT-26 xenograft showed that complexes 8a-8d displayed limited toxicity in comparison with OXA. All these results indicated that complexes 8a-8c may be good chemoimmunotherapeutic agents with potent efficacy and safety profiles. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the representative complex 8b might exert its chemoimmunotherapeutic effect by inhibiting the expression and phosphorylation of STAT3, thus evoking CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte immune responses and inducing ferroptosis and apoptosis.

Broadening horizons: research on ferroptosis in lung cancer and its potential therapeutic targets

Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death distinct from traditional mechanisms, characterized by the accumulation of iron ions and the production of lipid peroxides. It not only affects the survival of tumor cells but is also closely linked to changes in the tumor microenvironment. Lung cancer is one of the leading malignancies worldwide in terms of incidence and mortality, and its complex biological mechanisms and resistance make treatment challenging. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis plays a key role in the onset and progression of lung cancer, with its intricate regulatory mechanisms influencing tumor development and response to therapy. As research into ferroptosis deepens, related molecular pathways, such as glutamate metabolism, iron metabolism, and antioxidant defense, have been gradually revealed. However, in clinical practice, ferroptosis-based therapeutic strategies for lung cancer are still in their early stages. Challenges remain, including the incomplete understanding of the specific mechanisms of ferroptosis, insufficient research on related regulatory factors, and limited insight into the interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, effective modulation of ferroptosis to enhance lung cancer treatment remains an urgent issue. This review summarizes the biological mechanisms of ferroptosis, analyzes the regulatory factors of ferroptosis in lung cancer cells and their interaction with the tumor microenvironment, and further explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis. By synthesizing the latest research, this paper aims to provide new perspectives and directions for lung cancer treatment, with the goal of advancing clinical applications.

Nanomaterial-enabled metabolic reprogramming strategies for boosting antitumor immunity

Immunotherapy has become a crucial strategy in cancer treatment, but its effectiveness is often constrained. Most cancer immunotherapies focus on stimulating T-cell-mediated immunity by driving the cancer-immunity cycle, which includes tumor antigen release, antigen presentation, T cell activation, infiltration, and tumor cell killing. However, metabolism reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment (TME) supports the viability of cancer cells and inhibits the function of immune cells within this cycle, presenting clinical challenges. The distinct metabolic needs of tumor cells and immune cells require precise and selective metabolic interventions to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. Recent advances in nanotherapeutics offer a promising approach to target tumor metabolism reprogramming and enhance the cancer-immunity cycle through tailored metabolic modulation. In this review, we explore cutting-edge nanomaterial strategies for modulating tumor metabolism to improve therapeutic outcomes. We review the design principles of nanoplatforms for immunometabolic modulation, key metabolic pathways and their regulation, recent advances in targeting these pathways for the cancer-immunity cycle enhancement, and future prospects for next-generation metabolic nanomodulators in cancer immunotherapy. We expect that emerging immunometabolic modulatory nanotechnology will establish a new frontier in cancer immunotherapy in the near future.

Ferroptosis crosstalk in anti-tumor immunotherapy: molecular mechanisms, tumor microenvironment, application prospects

Immunotherapies for cancer, specifically immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), have shown potential in reactivating the body's immune response against tumors. However, there are challenges to overcome in addressing drug resistance and improving the effectiveness of these treatments. Recent research has highlighted the relationship between ferroptosis and the immune system within immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting that combining targeted ferroptosis with immunotherapy could enhance anti-tumor effects. This review explores the potential of using immunotherapy to target ferroptosis either alone or in conjunction with other therapies like immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, radiotherapy, and nanomedicine synergistic treatments. It also delves into the roles of different immune cell types in promoting anti-tumor immune responses through ferroptosis. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of synergistic immunotherapy focused on ferroptosis and offer innovative strategies for cancer treatment.

Leveraging cell death patterns to predict metastasis in prostate adenocarcinoma and targeting PTGDS for tumor suppression

Metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Diverse programmed cell death (PCD) patterns play an important role in tumor metastasis and hold promise as predictive indicators for PRAD metastasis. Using the LASSO Cox regression method, we developed PCD score (PCDS) based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with PCD. Clinical correlation, external validation, functional enrichment analysis, mutation landscape analysis, tumor immune environment analysis, and immunotherapy analysis were conducted. The role of Prostaglandin D2 Synthase (PTGDS) in PRAD was examined through in vitro experiments, single-cell, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. PCDS is elevated in patients with higher Gleason scores, higher T stage, biochemical recurrence (BCR), and higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Individuals with higher PCDS are prone to metastasis, metastasis after BCR, BCR, and castration resistance. Moreover, PRAD patients with low PCDS responded positively to immunotherapy. Random forest analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis identified PTGDS as the top gene associated with PRAD metastasis and in vitro experiments revealed that PTGDS was considerably downregulated in PRAD cells against normal prostate cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of PTGDS was found to suppress the migration, invasion, proliferationof DU145 and LNCaP cells. To sum up, PCDS may be a useful biomarker for forecasting the possibility of metastasis, recurrence, castration resistance, and the efficacy of immunotherapy in PRAD patients. Additionally, PTGDS was identified as a viable therapeutic target for the management of PRAD.

Ferroptosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: connecting the dots to move forward

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive disease whose incomplete biological comprehension contributes to the inappropriate clinical management and poor prognosis. Thus, the identification of new promising molecular targets to treat OSCC is of paramount importance. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death caused by the iron-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the consequent oxidative damage of lipid membranes. Over the last five years, a growing number of studies has reported that OSCC is sensitive to ferroptosis induction and that ferroptosis inducers exert a remarkable antitumor effect in OSCC, even in those displaying low response to common approaches, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, as ferroptosis is considered an immunogenic cell death, it may modulate the immune response against OSCC. In this review, we summarize the so far identified ferroptosis regulatory mechanisms and prognostic models based on ferroptosis-related genes in OSCC. In addition, we discuss the perspective of inducing ferroptosis as a novel strategy to directly treat OSCC or, alternatively, to improve sensitivity to other approaches. Finally, we integrate data emerging from the research studies, reviewed here, through in silico analysis and we provide a novel personal perspective on the potential interconnection between ferroptosis and autophagy in OSCC.

Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy: The Pivotal Role of Ferroptosis in Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant challenge in oncology, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide, particularly among younger adults. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, the urgent need for more effective therapies persists. Immunotherapy has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering the potential for improved outcomes and quality of life. This review delves into the critical interplay between ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, and immunotherapy within the CRC context. Ferroptosis's influence extends beyond tumor cell fate, reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance immunotherapy's efficacy. Investigations into Ferroptosis-related Genes (OFRGs) reveal their pivotal role in modulating immune cell infiltration and TME composition, closely correlating with tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy. The integration of ferroptosis inducers with immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly through novel approaches like ferrotherapy and targeted co-delivery systems, showcases promising avenues for augmenting treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the expression patterns of OFRGs offer novel prognostic tools, potentially guiding personalized and precision therapy in CRC. This review underscores the emerging paradigm of leveraging ferroptosis to bolster immunotherapy's impact, highlighting the need for further research to translate these insights into clinical advancements. Through a deeper understanding of the ferroptosis-immunotherapy nexus, new therapeutic strategies can be developed, promising enhanced efficacy and broader applicability in CRC treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life in the face of this formidable disease.

TOX: a potential new immune checkpoint in cancers by pancancer analysis

BACKGROUND

Thymocyte selection-associated HMG-BOX (TOX) belongs to a family of transcription factors containing a highly conserved region of the high mobility group box (HMG-Box). A growing body of research has shown that TOX is involved in the occurrence and development of tumors and promotes T-cell exhaustion. We assessed the role of TOX with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pancancer Data.

METHODS

TOX expression was examined with RNA-seq data from the TCGA and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. The genetic alteration status and protein level of TOX were analyzed using databases, including the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), GeneCards, and STRING. The prognostic significance was estimated with survival data from the TCGA. Moreover, R software was used for enrichment analysis of TOX. The relationship between TOX and immune cell infiltration was assessed with the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0 database and the "CIBERSORT" method. The correlation between TOX and immune checkpoints was further explored. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to further verify the difference in TOX expression between cancerous and paracancerous tissues, and cell viability was evaluated using a CCK-8 assay.

RESULTS

In most cancer types in the TCGA cohort, differential TOX expression was observed. The genetic alteration status and protein level of TOX were examined, and the prognosis of cancers was associated with TOX expression. Moreover, TOX levels were closely related to different immune-related pathways, immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints. Additionally, significant differences in TOX expression between several cancerous and paracancerous tissues were validated. Furthermore, TOX clearly impacted the viability of cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

TOX, a potential biomarker for cancer, may be involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment and can be used for new targeted drugs.

A review on comprehending immunotherapeutic approaches inducing ferroptosis: Managing tumour immunity

Ferroptosis, a necrotic, iron-dependent controlled cell death mechanism, is distinguished by the development of lipid peroxides to fatal proportions. Malignant tumours, influenced by iron to promote fast development, are vulnerable to ferroptosis. Based upon mounting evidence it has been observed that ferroptosis may be immunogenic and hence may complement immunotherapies. A new approach includes iron oxide-loaded nano-vaccines (IONVs), having supremacy for the traits of the tumour microenvironment (TME) to deliver specific antigens through improving the immunostimulatory capacity by molecular disintegration and reversible covalent bonds that target the tumour cells and induce ferroptosis. Apart from IONVs, another newer approach to induce ferroptosis in tumour cells is through oncolytic virus (OVs). One such oncolytic virus is the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which can only multiply in cancer cells through the p53-SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway that leads to elevated levels of lipid peroxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species leading to the induction of ferroptosis that induce ferritinophagy.

Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation

Ferroptosis induces significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, including membrane condensation, volume reduction, cristae alteration, and outer membrane rupture, affecting mitochondrial function and cellular fate. Recent reports have described the intrinsic cellular iron metabolism and its intricate connection to ferroptosis, a significant kind of cell death characterized by iron dependence and oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, updated molecular insights have elucidated the significance of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its implications in various cancers. In the context of cancer therapy, understanding the dual role of anastasis and ferroptosis in chemoresistance is crucial. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in anastasis may enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis inducers, providing a synergistic approach to overcome chemoresistance. Research into how DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, metabolic changes, and redox states interact during anastasis and ferroptosis can offer new insights into designing combinatorial therapeutic regimens against several cancers associated with stemness. These treatments could potentially inhibit anastasis while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer cells evading death and developing resistance to chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, EMT and chemoresistance, and immunotherapeutics to better understand their collective impact on cancer therapy outcomes. We searched public research databases including google scholar, PubMed, relemed, and the national library of medicine related to this topic. In this review, we discussed the interplay between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis implicated in modulating ferroptosis, adding complexity to its regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electron transport chain (ETC) in ferroptosis has garnered significant attention. Lipid metabolism, particularly involving GPX4 and System Xc- plays a significant role in both the progression of ferroptosis and cancer. There is a need to investigate the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance to better understand cancer therapy clinical outcomes. Integrating anastasis, and ferroptosis into strategies targeting chemoresistance and exploring its potential synergy with immunotherapy represent promising avenues for advancing chemoresistant cancer treatment. Understanding the intricate interplay among mitochondria, anastasis, ROS, and ferroptosis is vital in oncology, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment and drug development.

Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation

Ferroptosis induces significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, including membrane condensation, volume reduction, cristae alteration, and outer membrane rupture, affecting mitochondrial function and cellular fate. Recent reports have described the intrinsic cellular iron metabolism and its intricate connection to ferroptosis, a significant kind of cell death characterized by iron dependence and oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, updated molecular insights have elucidated the significance of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its implications in various cancers. In the context of cancer therapy, understanding the dual role of anastasis and ferroptosis in chemoresistance is crucial. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in anastasis may enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis inducers, providing a synergistic approach to overcome chemoresistance. Research into how DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, metabolic changes, and redox states interact during anastasis and ferroptosis can offer new insights into designing combinatorial therapeutic regimens against several cancers associated with stemness. These treatments could potentially inhibit anastasis while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer cells evading death and developing resistance to chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, EMT and chemoresistance, and immunotherapeutics to better understand their collective impact on cancer therapy outcomes. We searched public research databases including google scholar, PubMed, relemed, and the national library of medicine related to this topic. In this review, we discussed the interplay between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis implicated in modulating ferroptosis, adding complexity to its regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electron transport chain (ETC) in ferroptosis has garnered significant attention. Lipid metabolism, particularly involving GPX4 and System Xc- plays a significant role in both the progression of ferroptosis and cancer. There is a need to investigate the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance to better understand cancer therapy clinical outcomes. Integrating anastasis, and ferroptosis into strategies targeting chemoresistance and exploring its potential synergy with immunotherapy represent promising avenues for advancing chemoresistant cancer treatment. Understanding the intricate interplay among mitochondria, anastasis, ROS, and ferroptosis is vital in oncology, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment and drug development.

Nano-inducer of ferroptosis for targeted chemotherapy of human triple negative breast carcinoma

Triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) accounts for 15-20 % of all incident breast cancers (BC) and is known to be highly invasive, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse prognosis. However, due to its biological heterogeneity and diverse clinical and epidemiological behaviors, TNBC lacks a tumor-specific targeted therapy. In the present work we have developed a TNBC-specific targeted nano-delivery agent comprising of a cRGD labeled magneto-liposome (T-LMD) co-encapsulated with oleic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles (MN-OA) and doxorubicin (Dox) in the liposome bilayer and core, respectively. T-LMD was found to show enhanced uptake and induction of ferroptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231, a TNBC model cell line. Additionally, T-LMD induced ferroptosis was found to be accompanied by release of HMGB1, an immunogenic cell death marker, suggesting its immunogenicity for augmenting the activation of anti-tumor immunity in TNBC. The strategic placement of IONPs in the liposome bilayer of T-LMD facilitates the sensitization of MDA-MB-231 cells to undergo ferroptosis; predominantly via the activation of the iron/lipid metabolism pathway, as validated by use of small molecule ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) and iron chelator (deferoxamine). Activation of ferroptotic cell death was also corroborated by ferroptosis specific-ultrastructural alterations in the shape/size of cellular mitochondria and cell ballooning as observed by transmission electron microscopy and bright field imaging, respectively. Thus, our ferroptosis nano-inducer (T-LMD) can efficiently kill TNBC cells via enhanced LPO and ROS generation leading to membrane damage and consequent release of LDH and HMGB1, induce mitochondrial alterations and enhanced DNA double strand breaks. Altogether, our results suggest significant implications of T-LMD for treatment of TNBC.

The engineered exosomes targeting ferroptosis: A novel approach to reverse immune checkpoint inhibitors resistance

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been extensively used in immunological therapy primarily due to their ability to prolong patient survival. Although ICIs have achieved success in cancer treatment, the resistance of ICIs should not be overlooked. Ferroptosis is a newly found cell death mode characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) depletion, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation, which has been demonstrated to be beneficial to immunotherapy and combining ferroptosis and ICIs to exploit new immunotherapies may reverse ICIs resistance. Exosomes act as mediators in cell-to-cell communication that may regulate ferroptosis to influence immunotherapy through the secretion of biological molecules. Thus, utilizing exosomes to target ferroptosis has opened up exciting possibilities for reversing ICIs resistance. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of ferroptosis improving ICIs therapy and how exosomes regulate ferroptosis through adjusting iron metabolism, blocking the ROS accumulation, controlling ferroptosis defense systems, and influencing classic signaling pathways and how engineered exosomes target ferroptosis and improve ICIs efficiency.

A novel signature constructed by mitochondrial function and cell death-related gene for the prediction of prognosis in bladder cancer

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) presents a persistent challenge in clinical management. Despite recent advancements demonstrating the BLCA efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in BLCA patients, there remains a critical need to identify and expand the subset of individuals who benefit from this treatment. Mitochondria, as pivotal regulators of various cell death pathways in eukaryotic cells, exert significant influence over tumor cell fate and survival. In this study, our objective was to investigate biomarkers centered around mitochondrial function and cell death mechanisms to facilitate prognostic prediction and guide therapeutic decision-making in BLCA. Utilizing ssGSEA and LASSO regression, we developed a prognostic signature termed mitochondrial function and cell death (mtPCD). Subsequently, we evaluated the associations between mtPCD score and diverse clinical outcomes, including prognosis, functional pathway enrichment, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response analysis and drug sensitivity, within high- and low-risk subgroups. Additionally, we employed single-cell level functional assays, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry to validate the differential expression of genes comprising the mtPCD signature. The mtPCD signature comprises a panel of 10 highly influential genes, strongly correlated with survival outcomes in BLCA patients and exhibiting robust predictive capabilities. Importantly, individuals classified as high-risk according to mtPCD score displayed a subdued overall immune response, characterized by diminished immunotherapeutic efficacy. In summary, our findings highlight the development of a novel prognostic signature, which not only holds promise as a biomarker for BLCA prognosis but also offers insights into the immune landscape of BLCA. This paradigm may pave the way for personalized treatment strategies in BLCA management.

Harnessing Ferroptosis to Overcome Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Promising Therapeutic Approaches

Drug resistance remains a significant challenge in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent years, the emerging field of ferroptosis, a unique form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has offered new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for overcoming drug resistance in CRC. This review examines the role of ferroptosis in CRC and its impact on drug resistance. It highlights the distinctive features and advantages of ferroptosis compared to other cell death pathways, such as apoptosis and necrosis. Furthermore, the review discusses current research advances in the field, including novel treatment approaches that target ferroptosis. These approaches involve the use of ferroptosis inducers, interventions in iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, and combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis. The review also explores the potential of immunotherapy in modulating ferroptosis as a therapeutic strategy. Additionally, it evaluates the strengths and limitations of targeting ferroptosis, such as its selectivity, low side effects, and potential to overcome resistance, as well as challenges related to treatment specificity and drug development. Looking to the future, this review discusses the prospects of ferroptosis-based therapies in CRC, emphasizing the importance of further research to elucidate the interaction between ferroptosis and drug resistance. It proposes future directions for more effective treatment strategies, including the development of new therapeutic approaches, combination therapies, and integration with emerging fields such as precision medicine. In conclusion, harnessing ferroptosis represents a promising avenue for overcoming drug resistance in CRC. Continued research efforts in this field are crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and providing hope for CRC patients.

GALNT5 functions as a suppressor of ferroptosis and a predictor of poor prognosis in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Mucin-type O-glycosylation, a posttranslational modification of membrane and secretory proteins, facilitates metastasis and immune escape in tumor cells. N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase 5 (GALNT5), the enzyme initiating mucin-type O-glycosylation, is known to advance the progression of various tumors. Yet, the comprehensive role of GALNT5 in pan-cancer scenarios remains to be elucidated. In this research, we conducted a database-centric pan-cancer expression analysis of GALNT5. We examined its aberrant expression, assessed its prognostic implications, and explored the correlations between GALNT5 expression and factors such as ferroptosis, immune cell infiltration levels, and immune checkpoint gene expression across multiple tumor types. To substantiate GALNT5's role, we analyzed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and ferroptosis in PAAD cells after GALNT5 knockdown. Additionally, RNA-seq was employed to discern potential downstream pathways influenced by GALNT5. Our findings indicate that GALNT5 expression is heightened in the majority of tumors, correlating with the prognosis of multiple cancers. There's a notable association between GALNT5 levels and ferroptosis-related genes, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint genes. In PAAD specifically, the role of GALNT5 was further probed. Knockdown of GALNT5 curtailed the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of PAAD cells, concurrently promoting ferroptosis. Moreover, in vivo studies demonstrated that GALNT5 inhibition stunted PAAD tumor growth. The RNA-seq analysis unveiled inflammation and immune-centric pathways, such as the TNF signaling pathway, as potential downstream conduits of GALNT5. In conclusion, our pan-cancer study underscores GALNT5 as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing PAAD prognosis, given its strong ties with ferroptosis and immune cell infiltration. Our experiments further define GALNT5 as a novel suppressor of ferroptosis.

The diversified role of mitochondria in ferroptosis in cancer

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and it has been studied extensively since its discovery in 2012. Induced by iron overload and ROS accumulation, ferroptosis is modulated by various cellular metabolic and signaling pathways. The GSH-GPX4 pathway, the FSP1-CoQ10 pathway, the GCH1-BH4 pathway, the DHODH-CoQH2 system and the sex hormones suppress ferroptosis. Mitochondrial iron metabolism regulates ferroptosis and mitochondria also undergo a morphological change during ferroptosis, these changes include increased membrane density and reduced mitochondrial cristae. Moreover, mitochondrial energy metabolism changes during ferroptosis, the increased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production rates lead to a decrease in the glycolysis rate. In addition, excessive oxidative stress induces irreversible damage to mitochondria, diminishing organelle integrity. ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial fusion and fission, and mitophagy also function in ferroptosis. Notably, some ferroptosis inhibitors target mitochondria. Ferroptosis is a major mechanism for cell death associated with the progression of cancer. Metastasis-prone or metastatic cancer cells are more susceptible to ferroptosis. Inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells shows very promising potential for treating drug-resistant cancers. In this review, we present a brief retrospect of the discovery and the characteristics of ferroptosis, then we discuss the regulation of ferroptosis and highlight the unique role played by mitochondria in the ferroptosis of cancer cells. Furthermore, we explain how ferroptosis functions as a double-edged sword as well as novel therapies aimed at selectively manipulating cell death for cancer eradication.

Can pyroptosis be a new target in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of undefined etiology, with persistent synovial inflammation and destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Current clinical drugs for RA mainly include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and so on, which can relieve patients' joint symptoms. If we want to have a complete cure for RA, there are still some limitations of these drugs. Therefore, we need to explore new mechanisms of RA to prevent and treat RA radically. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death (PCD) in recent years, which is characterized by the appearance of holes in cell membranes, cell swelling and rupture, and the release of intracellular pro-inflammatory factors into the extracellular space, resulting in a strong inflammatory response. The nature of pyroptosis is pro-inflammatory, and whether it is participating in the development of RA has attracted a wide interest among scholars. This review describes the discovery and mechanism of pyroptosis, the main therapeutic strategies for RA, and the role of pyroptosis in the mechanism of RA development. From the perspective of pyroptosis, the study of new mechanisms of RA may provide a potential target for the treatment of RA and the development of new drugs in the clinics.

Targeting ferroptosis, a novel programmed cell death, for the potential of alcohol-related liver disease therapy

Ferroptosis is a new iron-dependent cell death mode, which is different from the other types of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Ferroptosis is characterized by a process in which fatal lipids from lipid peroxidation accumulate in cells and eventually lead to cell death. Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a type of liver injury caused by excessive alcohol intake. Alcohol-related liver disease is a broad-spectrum disease category, which includes fatty liver, steatohepatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular tumors. Recent studies have found that ferroptosis is involved in the pathological development of non-viral liver diseases. Therefore, ferroptosis may be an ideal target for the treatment of non-viral liver diseases. In this review article, we will elaborate the molecular mechanism and regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis, explore the key role of ferroptosis in the Alcohol-related liver disease process, and summarize the existing targeted ferroptosis drugs and their feasibility for the treatment of Alcohol-related liver disease.

Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Interplay of Apoptosis and Autophagy

The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial process that has not yet been fully investigated. Autophagy and apoptosis are two important cellular pathways that are critical for cell survival or death. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy regulates liver cell turnover and maintains intracellular homeostasis. However, the balance is often dysregulated in many cancers, including HCC. Autophagy and apoptosis pathways may be either independent or parallel or one may influence the other. Autophagy may either inhibit or promote apoptosis, thus regulating the fate of the liver cancer cells. In this review, a concise overview of the pathogenesis of HCC is presented, with emphasis on new developments, including the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the implication of microRNAs and the role of gut microbiota. The characteristics of HCC associated with a specific liver disease are also described and a brief description of autophagy and apoptosis is provided. The role of autophagy and apoptosis in the initiation, progress and metastatic potential is reviewed and the experimental evidence indicating an interplay between the two is extensively analyzed. The role of ferroptosis, a recently described specific pathway of regulated cell death, is presented. Finally, the potential therapeutic implications of autophagy and apoptosis in drug resistance are examined.