Ferroptosis regulation by Cap’n’collar family transcription factors

Abstract

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death mechanism that may be important to prevent tumor formation and useful as a target for new cancer therapies. Transcriptional networks play a crucial role in shaping ferroptosis sensitivity by regulating the expression of transporters, metabolic enzymes, and other proteins. The Cap'n'collar (CNC) protein NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NFE2L2, also known as NRF2) is a key regulator of ferroptosis in many cells and contexts. Emerging evidence indicates that the related CNC family members, BTB domain and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1) and NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 1 (NFE2L1), also have roles in ferroptosis regulation. Here, we comprehensively review the role of CNC transcription factors in governing cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis. We describe how CNC family members regulate ferroptosis sensitivity through modulation of iron, lipid, and redox metabolism. We also use examples of ferroptosis regulation by CNC proteins to illustrate the flexible and highly context-dependent nature of the ferroptosis mechanism in different cells and conditions.