EIF2S1 Silencing Impedes Neuroblastoma Development Through GPX4 Inactivation and Ferroptosis Induction

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most devastating malignancies in children, accounting for a high mortality rate due to limited treatment options. This study is aimed at elucidating the role of the ferroptosis-related EIF2S1 gene in NB pathogenesis and exploring its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: We conducted comprehensive bioinformatics analyses utilizing the FerrDb database and NB-related transcriptomics data to investigate the role of EIF2S1 in NB. Changes in EIF2S1 expression were subsequently validated in NB tissues and cell lines. Loss-of-function experiments were performed in SK-N-SH and IMR-32 cell lines through shRNA-mediated EIF2S1 knockdown. The impact of EIF2S1 knockdown on the tumorigenesis of SK-N-SH cells was assessed in nude mice. Results: Bioinformatics analyses revealed a significant association between elevated EIF2S1 expression and poor prognosis in NB patients. The increased levels of EIF2S1 expression were confirmed in NB tissues and cancerous cell lines. Furthermore, EIF2S1 overexpression was linked to translational regulation and immune cell infiltration modulation. Silencing of EIF2S1 resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity in NB cells. Additionally, EIF2S1 knockdown led to an accumulation of iron and oxidative stress, as well as a reduction in GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that EIF2S1 appears to facilitate the progression of NB by protecting tumor cells from ferroptosis through modulating GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression. Consequently, EIF2S1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the management of NB.