Targeting ferroptosis regulators by natural products in colorectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
• Current CRC treatments face challenges like drug resistance and limited efficacy.
• Targeting ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway, presents a novel therapeutic avenue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of natural products, nutraceuticals, and phytochemicals in targeting ferroptosis regulators for CRC therapy.
• To explore how natural compounds can induce ferroptosis in CRC cells.
• To provide insights into the mechanisms of natural products modulating ferroptosis-related proteins.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on natural products and ferroptosis in CRC.
• Analysis of natural products targeting key ferroptosis regulators (e.g., GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, NCOA4, HO-1).
• Exploration of metabolic pathways (amino acid, iron, lipid) and oxidative stress in ferroptosis induction.

Main Results:

• Natural products possess diverse bioactive effects and favorable safety profiles.
• These compounds can modulate proteins crucial for ferroptosis, including GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, NCOA4, and HO-1.
• Targeting these regulators offers a promising strategy for inducing cancer cell death.

Conclusions:

• Natural products represent a promising therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer by inducing ferroptosis.
• Further research into these mechanisms can lead to innovative CRC treatments.
• This approach may help overcome challenges associated with current CRC therapies.