An integrated view of lipid metabolism in ferroptosis revisited via lipidomic analysis

Abstract

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This process contributes to cellular and tissue damage in various human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, liver disease, and cancer. Although polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in membrane phospholipids are preferentially oxidized, saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids (SFAs/MUFAs) also influence lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. In this review, we first explain how cells differentially synthesize SFA/MUFAs and PUFAs and how they control fatty acid pools via fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation, impacting ferroptosis. Furthermore, we discuss how fatty acids are stored in different lipids, such as diacyl or ether phospholipids with different head groups; triglycerides; and cholesterols. Moreover, we explain how these fatty acids are released from these molecules. In summary, we provide an integrated view of the diverse and dynamic metabolic processes in the context of ferroptosis by revisiting lipidomic studies. Thus, this review contributes to the development of therapeutic strategies for ferroptosis-related diseases.