Fucoxanthin Induces Ferroptosis in Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Activating the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 Axis.

ABSTRACT: Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid abundantly derived from brown algae, has been increasingly recognized for its broad-spectrum antitumor activities; however, its role in regulating ferroptosis remains insufficiently defined. Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is a highly aggressive head and neck malignancy with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the need for novel marine-derived anticancer agents. In this study, we investigated whether fucoxanthin induces ferroptosis in human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells (Fadu) and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Transcriptome profiling combined with in vitro validation revealed that fucoxanthin markedly upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), leading to increased intracellular Fe²⁺ levels, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) gene

SUBMITTER: Xie Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12942556 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature