The NF-κB-SLC7A11 axis regulates ferroptosis sensitivity in inflammatory macrophages.

ABSTRACT: M1-polarized macrophages exhibit remarkable resistance to ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by excessive lipid peroxidation. Yet the underlying mechanisms remain to be defined. Through CRISPR-based functional screen of metabolic genes combining transcriptomics analysis, we herein identified the cystine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 as a pivotal mediator of ferroptosis resistance in M1 macrophages. Mechanistically, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) engagement with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) resulted in NF-κB activation, leading to RELA-dependent transcriptional upregulation of Slc7a11 expression. SLC7A11 in turn promoted cystine uptake and subsequent glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Genetic ablation of Slc7a11 reduced GSH production, sensitizing M1 macrophages to RSL3-

SUBMITTER: Yang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12268560 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature