Ferroptosis Induction by Erastin and RSL3

Erastin and RSL3 compounds were discovered initially as inducers for the occurrence of ferroptosis. The mechanism of both compounds for inducing ferroptosis involves targeting GPX4. Erastin and RSL3 can both directly lead to the inactivation of GPX4. In the case of Erastin, it can also indirectly lead to the inactivation of GPX4 by inhibiting the conversion of cystine, an essential component of glutathione synthesis. Consequently, lipid peroxidation is catalyzed, ultimately resulting not only in ferroptosis but also in neurodegenerative processes (Conteh et al., 2019 (link)).