The Role of in Ferroptosis and Apoptosis in Cancer

Cysteine dioxygenase type 1 () is a tumor suppressor gene. It regulates the metabolism of cysteine, thereby influencing the cellular antioxidative capacity. This function puts in a prominent position to promote ferroptosis and apoptosis. promotes ferroptosis mainly by decreasing the amounts of antioxidants, leading to autoperoxidation of the cell membrane through Fenton reaction. promotes apoptosis mainly through the product of cysteine metabolism, taurine, and low level of antioxidants. Many cancers exhibit altered function of , underscoring its crucial role in cancer cell survival. Genetic and epigenetic alterations have been found, with methylation of promoter as the most common mutation. The fact that no cancer was found to be caused by altered function alone indicates that the tumor suppressor role of is mild. By compiling the current knowledge about apoptosis, ferroptosis, and the role of , this review suggests possibilities for how the mild anticancer role of could be harnessed in new cancer therapies. Here, developing drugs targeting is considered meaningful in neoadjuvant therapies, for example, helping against the development of anti-cancer drug resistance in tumor cells.