Overview

• A Nature study by Tonnus et al. demonstrates that oestradiol and hydroxylated metabolites block ferroptosis in renal cells.
• The researchers identified genomic and non-genomic pathways, including the upregulation of hydropersulfides and preservation of ether lipids, as key protective mechanisms.
• Female mice showed resistance to acute kidney injury and suppression of renal tubular ferroptosis propagation in animal experiments.
• Tom Vanden Berghe’s Nature News & Views commentary describes the work as a milestone that broadens the physiological relevance of ferroptosis beyond cancer and neurodegeneration.
• Experts suggest exploring estrogenic metabolites or ferroptosis inhibitors as potential therapies for AKI, although clinical translation remains at an early stage.