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Updated: Jul 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Tracing the Ferroptotic Signatures and Cell Death Dynamics in Medulloblastoma for Advanced Therapeutics
Published on: March 15, 2024
The influence of microbiota on ferroptosis in intestinal diseases
1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou City, China.
Abstract:
Ferroptosis is a distinctive form of iron-dependent necrotic cell death, characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation on cellular membranes and compromised cellular antioxidant defenses. Multiple metabolic pathways, including iron and lipid metabolism, as well as antioxidant systems, contribute to the execution of ferroptosis. The gut microbiota exerts regulatory effects on ferroptosis through its microbial composition, biological functions, and metabolites. Notably, most pathogenic bacteria tend to promote ferroptosis, thereby inducing or exacerbating diseases, while most probiotics have been shown to protect against cell death. Given microbiota colonization in the gut, an intimate association is found between intestinal diseases and microbiota. This review consolidates the essential aspects of ferroptotic processes, emphasizing key molecules and delineating the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and ferroptosis. Moreover, this review underscores the potential utility of gut microbiota modulation in regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of intestinal diseases.
Insights
Ferroptosis, a cell death form driven by iron and lipid peroxidation, is regulated by gut microbiota. Modulating gut bacteria may offer new treatments for intestinal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death pathway involving iron, lipid peroxidation, and impaired antioxidant defenses.
- Metabolic pathways, including iron and lipid metabolism, are crucial for ferroptosis execution.
- Gut microbiota influences ferroptosis through its composition, functions, and metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of ferroptosis.
- To explore the role of gut microbiota in ferroptosis.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of microbiota modulation for intestinal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review consolidating current knowledge on ferroptosis and gut microbiota.
- Analysis of the interplay between microbial factors and ferroptotic pathways.
- Identification of key molecules and pathways involved.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic bacteria generally promote ferroptosis, exacerbating diseases.
- Probiotics typically protect against ferroptosis and cell death.
- A strong association exists between gut microbiota and intestinal diseases.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota plays a significant regulatory role in ferroptosis.
- Targeting gut microbiota offers a promising strategy for managing ferroptosis-related intestinal diseases.
- Further research into microbiota-ferroptosis interactions is warranted for therapeutic development.
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