Ferroptosis
Core of basic research: Deciphers the molecular mechanism of iron-dependent programmed cell death triggered by accumulated lipid peroxidation, a novel cell death mode distinct from apoptosis and necrosis. The core mechanism involves disrupted intracellular iron homeostasis and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation: Iron ions (Fe²⁺) promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via the Fenton reaction, attacking polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to induce lipid peroxidation; simultaneously, dysfunction of the glutathione (GSH)-Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway impairs the clearance of peroxidized lipids, ultimately leading to cell death. This pathway participates in tumor suppression, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Research focuses include the regulation of iron metabolism (iron absorption, storage, transport), the expression regulation of GPX4, triggers of lipid peroxidation, cross-talk between ferroptosis and other death modes, and the association of pathway abnormalities with diseases and targeted interventions.
Core key proteins: Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4), Glutathione (GSH), Cysteine Transporter (SLC7A11/xCT), Iron Transporters (TfR1, Ferroportin), Iron Storage Protein (Ferritin), Transferrin, Lipoxygenase (LOX, promoting lipid peroxidation), ACSL4 (promoting PUFA synthesis), Nrf2 (regulating antioxidant gene expression), p53 (inhibiting SLC7A11, promoting ferroptosis).