Ferroptosis inhibitors: past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ferroptosis is a distinct, iron-dependent programmed cell death pathway.
• Its mechanisms and role in diseases like neurodegeneration are increasingly understood.
• Targeting ferroptosis offers potential therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail ferroptosis metabolic pathways.
• To review natural and synthetic small molecule ferroptosis inhibitors.
• To discuss emerging therapies and clinical translation challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ferroptosis mechanisms and inhibitors.
• Analysis of therapeutic approaches including gene therapy, cell therapy, and nanotechnology.
• Exploration of ferroptosis's relationship with other cell death modalities.

Main Results:

• Ferroptosis involves specific metabolic pathways and lipid peroxidation.
• Various small molecule inhibitors show efficacy in disease models.
• Gene therapy, cell therapy, and nanomedicine represent novel treatment avenues.

Conclusions:

• Ferroptosis inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases.
• Understanding ferroptosis's interplay with other cell death types is crucial for drug design.
• Clinical translation of ferroptosis inhibitors faces challenges but holds significant potential.