Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: Copper deprivation induced by SLC31A11 knockdown triggers the upregulation of SLC7A11. ( A ) Confocal imaging of Cu-probe and Mito-tracker in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. Hoechst (blue) is used as a nuclear counterstain. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 2 μm. ( B ) Total Fe level in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1, MiaPaCa-2, and CFPAC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( C ) Volcano plot of gene expression (the SLC31A1 knockdown [shRNA#2] versus the control; log2(fold change) ≥1; p < 0.05 between SLC31A1 knockdown and NC AsPC-1 cells. ( D ) GO analysis of differentially expressed genes between SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) and NC AsPC-1 cells. ( E-G ) Western blot analysis of the indicated protein levels in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 (E), MiaPaCa-2 (F), and CFPAC-1 (G) cells. ( H and I ) GPX4 (H) or FSP-1 activity (I) was tested in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( J ) qPCR analysis of SLC31A1 and SLC7A11 gene expression in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1, MiaPaCa-2, and CFPAC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( K ) qPCR analysis of SLC31A1 and SLC7A11 gene expression in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1, MiaPaCa-2, and CFPAC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( L ) GSH level in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1, MiaPaCa-2, and CFPAC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( M ) Cystine uptake level in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1, MiaPaCa-2, and CFPAC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Knockdown, Imaging, Gene Expression, shRNA, Control, Western Blot, Activity Assay

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: Copper deprivation induced by SLC31A1 knockdown attenuates ferroptosis. ( A ) Cell viability of AsPC-1 cells treated with different doses of RSL3, ML162, ML210, or erastin in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. ( B ) Cell viability of AsPC-1 cells treated with different doses of CDDP, staurosporine, paclitaxel, bortezomib, JTC-801, or elesclomol-Cu in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. ( C-E ) Propidium iodide (PI) staining of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 (C), MiaPaCa-2 (D), and CFPAC-1 (E) cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of ferroptosis inhibitors (ferrostatin-1/Fer-1, 5 μM or desferrioxamine/DFO, 20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( F ) Lipid peroxidation of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) for 2 h. (G) Transmission electron microscopy of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (2.5 μM). Scale bar: 2 μm or 500 nm. ( H ) Confocal imaging of Cu-probe and Mito-tracker in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or a vector encoding SLC31A1. Hoechst (blue) is used as a nuclear counterstain. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 2 μm. ( I ) Western blot analysis of lysates from NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or a vector encoding SLC31A1. ( J ) Cell viability of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or a vector encoding SLC31A1, followed by treatment with different doses of RSL3 or erastin. ( K ) PI staining of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or a vector encoding SLC31A1, followed by treatment with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of Fer-1 (5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( L ) Western blot analysis of lysates from SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or SLC31A1 WT or SLC31A1 M154A plasmid. ( M ) PI staining of SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or SLC31A1 WT or SLC31A1 M154A plasmid, followed by treatment with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of Fer-1 (5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Knockdown, Staining, Transmission Assay, Electron Microscopy, Imaging, shRNA, Transfection, Plasmid Preparation, Western Blot

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: SLC7A11 is essential for copper deprivation-mediated ferroptosis resistance. ( A ) NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC), SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). Western blot analysis of lysates from the indicated AsPC-1 cells. ( B ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). Western blot analysis of lysates from the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with or without TM (50 μM) for 24 h. ( C ) NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). Propidium iodide (PI) staining of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of Fer-1 (5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( D ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). PI staining of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of TM (50 μM) with or without Fer-1 (5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( E ) NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). Lipid peroxidation of the AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) for 2 h. ( F ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). Lipid peroxidation of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) in the presence or absence of TM (50 μM) for 2 h. ( G ) PI staining of the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of BSO (500 μM) with or without Fer-1 (5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( H ) PI staining images of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with or without BSO (500 μM) plus TM sulfate (50 μM) with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations with or without Fer-1 (5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Knockdown, shRNA, Transfection, Western Blot, Staining

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: SLC7A11 is essential for copper deprivation-mediated ferroptosis resistance. ( A ) Vector or flag-SLC7A11 overexpressed AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11). Western blot analysis of lysates from the indicated AsPC-1 cells. ( B ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with a vector or a plasmid encoding Flag-SLC7A11 and then treated with TM (50 μM) for 24h. Western blot analysis of lysates from the indicated AsPC-1 cells. ( C ) NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11) with or without transfection with a blank vector or a vector encoding SLC7A11. PI staining of indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) in the presence or absence of Fer-1 (2.5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm. ( D ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or SLC7A11 siRNA (siSLC7A11) with or without transfection with a blank vector or a vector encoding SLC7A11. PI staining images of indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) or TM (50 μM) in the presence or absence of Fer-1 (2.5 μM) or DFO (20 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Plasmid Preparation, Transfection, Western Blot, Knockdown, shRNA, Staining

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: Copper deprivation upregulates SLC7A11 and activates AMPK-NRF2 axis. ( A ) Volcano plot of NRF2 target genes (shSLC31A1 VS shNC) generated using the data from C. ( B , C ) ChIP analyses of NRF2 binding in the SLC7A11 promoter in NRF2 knockdown AsPC-1 cells (B) or SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells (C). ( D-G ) The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells by Seahorse assay (n = 8/group). Quantification of basal respiration (E) and ATP-linked respiration (F), the uncoupler FCCP (maximal) or the electron transport inhibitor antimycin A-baseline (G) in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 8. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( H ) COX activity level in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( I–K ) ATP level in the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1(I), MiaPaCa-2 (J), and CFPAC-1 (K) cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( L ) ATP level in the AsPC-1 cells treated with TM (50 μM) or TEPA (1 mM) for 24 h. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test. ( M ) AMP/ATP ratio detected by HPLC in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using an unpaired T test. ( N ) Western blot analysis of lysates from NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells. ( O ) Western blot analysis of lysates from AsPC-1 cells treated with TM at the indicated concentrations for 24 h. ( P ) Western blot analysis of lysates from NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with blank vector or vector encoding SLC31A1. ( Q ) Western blot analysis of lysates from SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with blank vector or of SLC31A1 WT- or SLC31A1 M154A.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Generated, Binding Assay, Knockdown, Activity Assay, Western Blot, shRNA, Transfection, Plasmid Preparation

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: Copper deprivation upregulates SLC7A11 through AMPK-NRF2 axis. ( A ) Western blot analysis of lysates from NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or AMPK siRNA (siAMPKα1/2). ( B ) Western blot analysis of lysates from NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA (shNFE2L2#2). * indicates a non-specific band. ( C ) SLC7A11 mRNA level in NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA (shNRF2#2). ( D ) Western blot analysis of lysates from AsPC-1 cells that were transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA (shNRF2) and treated with TM (50 μM) or without TM for 24 h. ( E ) SLC7A11 mRNA level in AsPC-1 cells that were transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA (shNRF2) and treated with TM (50 μM) or without TM for 24 h. ( F ) Western blot analysis of lysates from NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells treated with or without ML385 (5 μM) for 24 h. ( G ) Western blot analysis of lysates from SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) and NRF2 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or NRF2 WT or NRF2 S558A plasmid. ( H ) SLC7A11 mRNA level in SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) and NRF2 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or NRF2 WT or NRF2 S558A plasmid. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a one-way ANOVA test.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Western Blot, Knockdown, shRNA, Transfection, Plasmid Preparation

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: Copper deprivation inhibits ferroptosis by the activation of AMPK. ( A ) NC and SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or AMPK siRNA (siAMPKα1/2). Propidium iodide (PI) staining images of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( B ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled siRNA (siNC) or AMPK siRNA (siAMPKα1/2). PI staining images of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of TM (50 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( C ) PI staining of the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of Compound C (10 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Activation Assay, Knockdown, shRNA, Transfection, Staining

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: Copper deprivation inhibits ferroptosis by the activation of AMPK-NRF2-SLC7A11 pathway. ( A ) NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA#2 (shNRF2). PI staining images of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm. ( B ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA (shNRF2). PI staining images of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of TM (50 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm. ( C ) SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA#2 (shNRF2). Lipid peroxidation of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) for 2 h. ( D ) AsPC-1 cells were transfected with non-targeting scrambled shRNA (shNC) or NRF2 shRNA (shNRF2). Lipid peroxidation of the indicated AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 (0.25 μM) in the presence or absence of TM (50 μM) for 2 h. ( E ) PI staining images of the NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 cells treated with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations in the presence or absence of ML385 (5 μM) for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm. ( F ) PI staining of SLC31A1 knockdown (shRNA#2) and NRF2 knockdown (shRNA#2) AsPC-1 cells transfected with a blank vector or NRF2 WT or NRF2 S558A plasmid, followed by treatment with RSL3 at the indicated concentrations for 6 h. Quantification of PI-positive cells was shown. Mean ± SD, n = 3. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. Scale bar: 50 μm.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Activation Assay, Knockdown, Transfection, shRNA, Staining, Plasmid Preparation

Journal: Redox Biology

Article Title: Copper deprivation reprograms antioxidant defense to suppress ferroptosis via SLC7A11

doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2026.104130

Figure Lengend Snippet: SLC31A1 knockdown inhibits ferroptosis in vivo . ( A-D ) Subcutaneous growth of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 xenografts in nude mice (n = 8) treated with RSL3 (5 mg/kg, i.p., once every other day). ( A ) Tumor growth curves of NC and SLC31A1 knockdown AsPC-1 xenografts in nude mice treated with the indicated agents. Representative images of tumors and tumor weight were shown ( B ). Data are presented as mean ± SD, n = 8 mice per group; Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( C ) Total copper content in the tumor sections. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test. ( D and E ) Immunohistochemical staining and relative staining intensity of the indicated proteins in the tumor sections. CC3, cleaved caspase 3. Scale bar: 20 μm. Statistical significance was determined using a two-way ANOVA test.

Article Snippet: Human SLC31A1 RNA primers: F: CCAGGACCAAATGGAACCATCC R: ACCACCTGGATGATGTGCAGCA , Sangon Biotech , This paper.

Techniques: Knockdown, In Vivo, Immunohistochemical staining, Staining