The role of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in ferroptosis
Lina Ding, R Zhang, Wenqi Du, Qingling Wang, Dong‐Sheng Pei
Abstract
• The development of scientific research in cGAS-STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis in diseases were elaborated in a detailed and lucid perspective. • The specific mechanism of cGAS-STING signaling pathway affecting disease progression by regulating the expression of ferroptosis-related molecules or proteins was reviewed. • The current limitations we faced and the future directions are also summarized and elaborated. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has been identified as a crucial mechanism in antiviral defense and innate immunity pathway. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron dependence and lipid peroxidation, represents a specialized form of cell death. A burgeoning collection of studies has demonstrated that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway participates in the homeostatic regulation of the organism by modulating ferroptosis-associated enzyme activity or gene expression. Consequently, elucidating the specific roles of the STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis in vivo is vital for targeted disease intervention. This review systematically examines the interactions between the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis, highlighting their influence on disease progression in the contexts of inflammation, injury, and cancerous cell dynamics. Understanding these interactions may provide novel therapeutic strategies. The STING pathway has been implicated in the regulation of various cell death mechanisms, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Our focus primarily addresses the role and mechanism of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and ferroptosis in diseases, limiting discussion of other cell death modalities and precluding a comprehensive overview of the pathway’s additional functions.