A novel microtubule inhibitor promotes tumor ferroptosis by attenuating SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling

MP-HJ-1b is a novel microtubule inhibitor that we designed and reported previously. Ferroptosis is a newly identified type of nonapoptotic cell death induced by ferrous catalysis and lipid peroxidation. Here, transcriptomics, proteomics, and molecular docking analyses were combined to explore the novel effects of MP-HJ-1b on tumors. Both omics analyses suggested that MP-HJ-1b affects ribosomes, and we confirmed that it inhibits the ribosomal component proteins RPL35 and MRPL28. Colchicine was used as an analog, and the results showed that MP-HJ-1b and colchicine increased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels and decreased reduced glutathione levels, suggesting that they promoted ferroptosis in HeLa cells. Specifically, MP-HJ-1b downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 to enhance the classical pathway of ferroptosis, while colchicine upregulated LC3A/B-II and enhanced autophagy. Clinically, the serum concentrations of ferrous ions, reduced glutathione, and Hcy were higher in cervical cancer patients than in healthy individuals. ALT, AST, Cho, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were decreased in the serum of patients. Our study expands understanding of the way MP-HJ-1b promotes cell death and enriches research on microtubule inhibitors in the ferroptosis field.

Automated summary

Our study reveals the mechanisms by which MP-HJ-1b affects tumors, showing that it promotes ferroptosis by inhibiting ribosomal component proteins. In contrast, colchicine promotes ferroptosis by enhancing autophagy. Clinical research demonstrates altered biochemical markers associated with ferroptosis in cervical cancer patients.