Dynamic Regulation of Ferroptosis by Lipid Metabolism

Significance: Ferroptosis is featured by the accumulation of polyunsaturated-lipid peroxidation on cellular membranes in an iron-dependent manner. Ferroptosis has been implicated in various pathophysiological processes, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and ischemia-reperfusion tissue injury. However, our understanding about the dynamic and context-specific regulation of ferroptosis remains incomplete. Recent Advances: As the major substrate for peroxidation, the cellular lipidome regulates ferroptosis sensitivity and execution by controlling the abundance and availability of polyunsaturated-lipids for peroxidative modifications. In turn, the cellular lipidome is regulated by a complex network of enzymes and transporters, as well as upstream layers of receptors, kinases, and transcription factors. A number of research has shed light on the link between lipid metabolism and ferroptosis. Here, we summarize our current knowledge on the role of the lipidome and associated protein regulators in various stages of ferroptosis, ranging from initiation, execution to cell death evasion by cells experiencing ferroptotic stress. Critical Issues: This review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by discussing the lipid species that directly contribute to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis, how cells regulate the abundances of these pro-ferroptosis lipids, how lipid peroxidation causes cell death, and how cells prevent and repair membrane lipid damage under ferroptotic conditions. Future Directions: Cell fate regulation in vivo could be different from in vitro culture settings. We envision that a comprehensive and detailed understanding about these important questions in the dynamic regulation of ferroptosis in vivo will accelerate our development of ferroptosis-targeted therapies to improve human health.