Ferroptosis inhibition via the ROS-GPX4 axis drives microplastic-induced malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Background Microplastics (MPs), as emerging environmental pollutants, have been closely linked to cancer development and progression. However, their specific role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms by which polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) promote NPC malignancy. Methods Cellular uptake of PS-MPs was examined by confocal microscopy in NPC cells and NP69. Proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. In vivo effects were tested in xenograft and lung-metastasis models with PS-MPs exposure via drinking water. Mechanistic investigations included RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ROS detection, immunofluorescence, and pharmacologic interventions with MitoTEMPO and ferroptosis inducers. Results PS-MPs were readily internalized by NPC cells, with smaller particles showing higher uptake and NPC cells exhibiting greater uptake than NP69. Functionally, PS-MPs promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor progression. Mechanistically, they induced modest ROS accumulation, NRF2 nuclear translocation, and upregulation of SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby suppressing ferroptosis. MitoTEMPO, but not DPI, reduced ROS and attenuated NRF2-SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling, indicating a mitochondrial origin of ROS. Importantly, ferroptosis restoration by Erastin or RSL3 reversed PS-MPs-induced malignant phenotypes and downregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression. Conclusions PS-MPs promote NPC progression by generating mitochondrial ROS that activate the NRF2-SLC7A11/GPX4 antioxidant axis and suppress ferroptosis. Pharmacologic reactivation of ferroptosis counteracts these effects, highlighting ferroptosis-targeted therapy as a potential strategy for mitigating microplastic-associated cancer risk.