Role of mitochondria in the regulation of ferroptosis and disease

Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Dec 13:10:1301822. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1301822. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Ferroptosis is a distinctive form of iron-dependent cell death characterized by significant ultrastructural changes in mitochondria. Given the crucial involvement of mitochondria in various cellular processes such as reactive oxygen species production, energy metabolism, redox status, and iron metabolism, mounting evidence suggests a vital role of mitochondria in the regulation and execution of ferroptosis. Furthermore, there exists a strong correlation between ferroptosis and various diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms underlying the induction and defense of ferroptosis, emphasizing the influence of mitochondria on this intricate process. Additionally, we provide an overview of the role of ferroptosis in disease, particularly cancer, and elucidate the mechanisms by which drugs targeting mitochondria impact ferroptosis. By presenting a theoretical foundation and reference point, this review aims to contribute to both basic cell biology research and the investigation of clinically relevant diseases.

Keywords: disease; drug; ferroptosis; mechanism; mitochondria.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by grants from the Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Project (No. B32322208; No. 202201010489), The Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32102643), and Outstanding Young Talents Project of South China Agricultural University.