Biological Activity
Erastin is a ferroptosis activator.
In Vitro
Erastin triggers oxidative, iron-dependent cell death. Treatment of NRAS-mutant HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells with the RSL molecule erastin (10 µM) results in a time-dependent increase in cytosolic and lipid ROS beginning at 2 hours[1]. Cell death triggered by erastin is significantly inhibited by antioxidants (e.g., α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxytoluene, and β-carotene) and iron chelators (e.g., deferoxamine), suggesting that ROS- and iron-dependent signaling is required for erastin-induced ferroptosis. Erastin can directly bind to VDAC2/3 in BJeLR cells. Knockdown of VDAC2 and VDAC3, but not VDAC1, leads to erastin resistance. Erastin has the ability to reduce glutathione level by directly inhibiting cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc− activity, with activation of the ER stress response[2]. Erastin potently inhibits HT-29 cell survival. Erastin shows a dose-dependent effect, and 30 μM of erastin displays the most dramatic effect[3].
In Vivo
Intraperitoneal injection of erastin at well-tolerated doses dramatically inhibits HT-29 xenograft growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice[3].
References & source
Published experimental findings depend on the model and assay conditions. They do not guarantee equivalent performance in every application. For laboratory research use only.