Transcriptome Changes in Colorectal Cancer Cells upon Treatment with Avicequinone B

Resveratrol protected against the development of endometriosis by promoting ferroptosis through miR-21-3p/p53/SLC7A11 signaling pathway

Resveratrol is involved in regulating ferroptosis, but its role in Endometriosis (EMS) is not clear. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of ferroptosis and resveratrol intervention in the pathogenesis of EMS cyst. Cell proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress level were analyzed. The interaction of miR-21-3p and p53 was analyzed by dual luciferase assay. The interaction between p53 and SLC7A11 were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP). The miR-21-3p, GPX4, ACSL4, FTH1, p53, SLC7A11, Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression were analyzed by RT-qPCR or Western blot. The Fe3+ deposition and miR-21-3p, GPX4, FTH1 and SLC7A11 expressions were increased, and ACSL4, p53, Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression were decreased in EMS patients. Resveratrol inhibited migration, induced Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression in EESCs. Overexpression of miR-21-3p inhibited p53, Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression, and promoted SLC7A11 expression, which was reversed by resveratrol. miR-21-3p bound to p53, which interacted with SLC7A11. Resveratrol promoted Ptgs2 and Chac1 expression in the sh-p53 EESCs. Resveratrol reduced miR-21-3p and SLC7A11 expressions, and increased p53, Ptgs2 and Chac1 expressions, and Fe3+ deposition in the lesion tissues of EMS mice, which were reversed by miR-21-3p mimics. Resveratrol activated p53/SLC7A11 pathway by down-regulating miR-21-3p to promote ferroptosis and prevent the development of EMS.

Ferroptosis-modulating small molecules for targeting drug-resistant cancer: Challenges and opportunities in manipulating redox signaling

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death program that is characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation. Triggering ferroptosis has been proposed as a promising strategy to fight cancer and overcome drug resistance in antitumor therapy. Understanding the molecular interactions and structural features of ferroptosis-inducing compounds might therefore open the door to efficient pharmacological strategies against aggressive, metastatic, and therapy-resistant cancer. We here summarize the molecular mechanisms and structural requirements of ferroptosis-inducing small molecules that target central players in ferroptosis. Focus is placed on (i) glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 4, the only GPX isoenzyme that detoxifies complex membrane-bound lipid hydroperoxides, (ii) the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc - that is central for glutathione regeneration, (iii) the redox-protective transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), and (iv) GPX4 repression in combination with induced heme degradation via heme oxygenase-1. We deduce common features for efficient ferroptotic activity and highlight challenges in drug development. Moreover, we critically discuss the potential of natural products as ferroptosis-inducing lead structures and provide a comprehensive overview of structurally diverse biogenic and bioinspired small molecules that trigger ferroptosis via iron oxidation, inhibition of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase system or less defined modes of action.

Insights on Ferroptosis and Colorectal Cancer: Progress and Updates

Patients with advanced-stage or treatment-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) benefit less from traditional therapies; hence, new therapeutic strategies may help improve the treatment response and prognosis of these patients. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent type of regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), distinct from other types of regulated cell death. CRC cells, especially those with drug-resistant properties, are characterized by high iron levels and ROS. This indicates that the induction of ferroptosis in these cells may become a new therapeutic approach for CRC, particularly for eradicating CRC resistant to traditional therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated the mechanisms and pathways that trigger or inhibit ferroptosis in CRC, and many regulatory molecules and pathways have been identified. Here, we review the current research progress on the mechanism of ferroptosis, new molecules that mediate ferroptosis, including coding and non-coding RNA; novel inducers and inhibitors of ferroptosis, which are mainly small-molecule compounds; and newly designed nanoparticles that increase the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis. Finally, the gene signatures and clusters that have predictive value on CRC are summarized.