A mitochondrial antioxidant axis fuels iron addiction in colorectal cancer.

Sun, Le Jin; DeNicola, Gina M · Cell Metab · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells accumulate iron to fuel proliferation yet paradoxically resist its toxicity. Jain et al. reveal that heme stabilizes succinate dehydrogenase subunit C, sustaining complex II-dependent coenzyme Q reduction and its redistribution to the plasma membrane, enabling CRC cells to buffer oxidative stress and iron-induced cell death.

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