Ferroptosis Assays
Ferroptosis is iron-dependent cell death driven by lipid peroxidation. Measure each node of the pathway, from iron and lipid peroxides to the glutathione/GPX defence system.
Iron and lipid peroxides (TBARS/MDA), plus phospholipid and cholesterol assays.
Glutathione peroxidase activity, GSH/GSSG and GST activity report whether the antioxidant brake is intact.
Glutamate, glutamine, citrate and other metabolites place ferroptosis in its metabolic setting.
Ferroptosis is a regulated, iron-dependent form of cell death defined by the accumulation of lipid peroxides. It is distinct from apoptosis and necrosis, and is implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Labile iron catalyses reactive oxygen species that peroxidise membrane phospholipids. The glutathione-dependent enzyme GPX4 normally neutralises these lipid peroxides, so when glutathione is depleted or GPX4 is inhibited the cell tips into ferroptosis.
Quantify MDA or lipid peroxides with a TBARS assay to establish ferroptotic damage.
Measure iron to link peroxidation to the chemistry that fuels it.
Track GPX activity and GSH/GSSG to see whether the antioxidant brake is intact.
Profile cholesterol, amino acids or TCA metabolites alongside.
By assaying its drivers and defences: lipid peroxidation (TBARS/MDA), iron, and the glutathione/GPX antioxidant system, usually on a plate reader.
Lipid peroxidation is the defining feature, so a TBARS (MDA) assay is the most direct marker. Pairing it with an iron assay and a glutathione or GPX measurement gives a fuller picture.
GPX4 uses glutathione to reduce toxic lipid peroxides. When glutathione is depleted or GPX4 is inhibited, lipid peroxides accumulate and drive ferroptosis.
Compatibility varies by kit and commonly includes serum, plasma, tissue homogenates and cultured cells. Each product page lists its validated samples.