YTHDF2 regulates ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis of keratinocytes in diabetic wound healing

Delayed diabetic wound healing is a global health issue with unclear pathogenesis. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death involving iron and lipid peroxidation, may contribute to delayed diabetic wound. This study investigates the role of ferroptosis in diabetic wound keratinocytes. We measured lipid peroxidation products (MDA, 4-HNE), ACSL4, and GPX4 protein levels in diabetic keratinocytes and assessed mitochondrial morphology. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) was used to inhibit ferroptosis in diabetic rat wounds, and its effects on healing and expression levels were evaluated. Pull-down assays, silver staining, and mass spectrometry were employed to study ACSL4 mRNA regulation. A YTHDF2 knockdown adenovirus was used to manipulate YTHDF2 expression in rat wounds. Ferroptosis was detected in diabetic keratinocytes, hindering wound healing, a process reversible with Fer-1. High glucose induced ACSL4 expression, driving keratinocyte ferroptosis and delayed healing. YTHDF2 interacts with N6-methyladenosine-modified ACSL4 mRNA, affecting its stability and expression. YTHDF2 knockdown increased ACSL4, promoting ferroptosis and impairing healing. Our findings illustrate the significant involvement of ferroptosis in the dysfunction of diabetic keratinocytes, suggesting that targeting ferroptosis may offer a viable therapeutic approach for improving diabetic wound healing.