Targeted ferritinophagy in gastrointestinal cancer: from molecular mechanisms to implications

Zhaotian Feng1,2,3, Muhua Luan2,3, Wenshuai Zhu3

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratory, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China.

Archives of Toxicology
|April 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Targeting ferritinophagy, a cellular process regulating iron, shows promise for gastrointestinal cancer treatment. This review explores ferritinophagy

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Autophagy Research

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal cancer presents a significant global health challenge.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed.
  • Ferritinophagy, a selective autophagy process, is emerging as a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of ferritinophagy.
  • To discuss the relevance of ferritinophagy in gastrointestinal cancer.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting ferritinophagy for gastrointestinal cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ferritinophagy mechanisms.
  • Analysis of ferritinophagy's role in gastrointestinal cancer.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic approaches targeting ferritinophagy.

Main Results:

  • Ferritinophagy is mediated by nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4).
  • This process is crucial for cellular iron homeostasis and implicated in cancer.
  • Targeting ferritinophagy offers potential therapeutic benefits for gastrointestinal cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Modulating ferritinophagy presents a promising avenue for gastrointestinal cancer therapy.
  • Small molecule inhibitors and immunotherapies are potential strategies.
  • Further research is needed to explore clinical applications and overcome challenges.