Gpx4 and Ferroptosis

Glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) is a monomeric glutathione peroxidase with a unique ability to reduce hydroperoxide in complex lipids. Gpx4 is vital for development, and its function is also indispensable for many cell types of adult animal. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent oxidative cell death. In ferroptosis, a high load of hydroperoxides in membrane phospholipids is the driver of cell death. Because of its ability to efficiently reduce phospholipid hydroperoxides, Gpx4 serves as the master regulator of ferroptosis. Studies in cell lines and animal models indicate that inhibition of Gpx4 activity triggers cell death mainly through ferroptosis. Ferroptosis has been implicated in many diseases and injuries. Therefore, Gpx4 could be a target of therapeutic development for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.