Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and peroxidation-driven form of cell death associated with multiple metabolic disorders and disrupted homeostasis. A number of metabolic processes and homeostasis are affected by ferroptosis. The molecules that regulate ferroptosis are involved in metabolic pathways that regulate cysteine exploitation, glutathione state, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate function, lipid peroxidation and iron homeostasis. The present review summarizes the metabolic networks involved in ferroptosis based on previous studies, and discusses the function of ferroptosis in pathological processes, including cancer. Finally, the clinical significance of ferroptosis is highlighted, to provide evidence for further studies.
Keywords: cysteine metabolism; ferroptosis; iron homeostasis; lipid peroxidation; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate.