Ferroptosis: biology and role in liver disease

Ferroptosis is a form of nonapoptotic cell death that is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and is relevant to a wide range of biological processes, such as development, aging, immunity, and cancer. Ferroptosis has also been linked to numerous hepatic metabolic pathways, including the metabolism of iron, fatty acids, and amino acids, such as cysteine. During the last decade, studies on the biology of and molecules regulating ferroptosis have shed light on the role of ferroptosis in liver disease and its implications. The susceptibility of liver cells to ferroptosis determines the extent of liver injury and affects the progression of nonneoplastic diseases, whereas liver cancer cells display intrinsic or acquired resistance to ferroptosis, which promotes cancer progression. These findings indicate that ferroptosis represents a promising target for the prevention and treatment of many forms of liver disease. In this review, we provide an update on the mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, focusing on the peroxidation of phospholipids, the antioxidant pathways that limit lipid peroxidation, and the regulation of the labile iron pool, all of which are closely connected. We also summarize the roles and importance of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of liver disease, and the therapeutic potential of targeting ferroptosis in liver diseases.