Research on the function of GPX4 in tumor-targeted treatment based on its molecular structure and features

He Geng1, Lin Ma1, Lixin Wu1

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.

Frontiers in Oncology
|September 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a key antioxidant enzyme involved in cell death and cancer progression. This study explores GPX4

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a unique mammalian antioxidant enzyme crucial for converting lipid hydroperoxides.
  • GPX4 plays vital roles in regulating oxidative stress, ferroptosis, immune responses, and brain development.
  • Elevated GPX4 expression correlates with tumor progression, proliferation, migration, differentiation, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory mechanisms and properties of GPX4 in diverse tumor cell types.
  • To elucidate the molecular structure and biological functions of GPX4 in cancer.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting GPX4 for improved cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review and analysis of existing literature on GPX4's role in cancer.
  • Investigation of GPX4's regulatory mechanisms and properties across different tumor models.
  • Exploration of GPX4's molecular structure and biological functions relevant to oncogenesis.

Main Results:

  • GPX4 overexpression is implicated in promoting tumor cell proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance.
  • GPX4 inhibitors show efficacy against drug-resistant malignancies but limited success as single agents in some cancers like glioblastoma.
  • Understanding GPX4's multifaceted roles is essential for developing targeted cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • GPX4 is a critical determinant in cancer development and drug resistance.
  • Further research is needed to identify specific cancer types responsive to GPX4 inhibitors and to enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
  • Targeting GPX4 presents a promising avenue for developing novel, effective cancer treatments.

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