Insights into the cell type-specific susceptibility of kidney cells to ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence implicates ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases by inducing death in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), podocytes, mesangial cells (MCs), and endothelial cells (ECs), which exhibit distinct structural and functional traits that might determine their differential susceptibility to ferroptosis. Despite its importance, the precise mechanism of ferroptosis in kidney pathology remains unclear, limiting its therapeutic potential and drug development. Understanding cell type-specific ferroptosis mechanisms and their spatial distribution in kidney diseases could provide novel insights for renal protection. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding ferroptosis susceptibility in different renal cell types to bridge cellular and organ-level perspectives for potential translational applications.