{"title":"CRISPR screens for the discovery of novel ferroptosis targets: progress and perspectives.","authors":"Weibang Yu, Yiwen Cui, Qi Zhao, Lianxiang Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.bcp.2026.118410","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ferroptosis is a distinct, iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation. Despite its growing significance in physiology and disease, the molecular networks that govern ferroptosis are not yet fully understood. Genome-wide CRISPR screens have broadened the regulatory landscape of ferroptosis by revealing both conserved and context-dependent mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent advances in CRISPR-based ferroptosis screens, highlighting a transition from in vitro CRISPR screens to in vivo platforms and single-cell CRISPR screens. We also discuss the potential translation of key targets, focusing on their structural druggability and therapeutic potential. By outlining objective-driven screening strategies, this review seeks to provide options for exploring the distinct mechanisms of ferroptosis and to accelerate its translation into therapeutic opportunities for various diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":8806,"journal":{"name":"Biochemical pharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"118410"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5000,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Biochemical pharmacology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2026.118410","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a distinct, iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation. Despite its growing significance in physiology and disease, the molecular networks that govern ferroptosis are not yet fully understood. Genome-wide CRISPR screens have broadened the regulatory landscape of ferroptosis by revealing both conserved and context-dependent mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent advances in CRISPR-based ferroptosis screens, highlighting a transition from in vitro CRISPR screens to in vivo platforms and single-cell CRISPR screens. We also discuss the potential translation of key targets, focusing on their structural druggability and therapeutic potential. By outlining objective-driven screening strategies, this review seeks to provide options for exploring the distinct mechanisms of ferroptosis and to accelerate its translation into therapeutic opportunities for various diseases.
期刊介绍:
Biochemical Pharmacology publishes original research findings, Commentaries and review articles related to the elucidation of cellular and tissue function(s) at the biochemical and molecular levels, the modification of cellular phenotype(s) by genetic, transcriptional/translational or drug/compound-induced modifications, as well as the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of xenobiotics and drugs, the latter including both small molecules and biologics.
The journal''s target audience includes scientists engaged in the identification and study of the mechanisms of action of xenobiotics, biologics and drugs and in the drug discovery and development process.
All areas of cellular biology and cellular, tissue/organ and whole animal pharmacology fall within the scope of the journal. Drug classes covered include anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory agents, chemotherapeutics, cardiovascular, endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, neurological and psychiatric drugs, as well as research on drug metabolism and kinetics. While medicinal chemistry is a topic of complimentary interest, manuscripts in this area must contain sufficient biological data to characterize pharmacologically the compounds reported. Submissions describing work focused predominately on chemical synthesis and molecular modeling will not be considered for review.
While particular emphasis is placed on reporting the results of molecular and biochemical studies, research involving the use of tissue and animal models of human pathophysiology and toxicology is of interest to the extent that it helps define drug mechanisms of action, safety and efficacy.