ABSTRACT
Ferroptosis is a unique mode of iron-dependent cell death driven by lipid peroxidation. It is characterized by morphological changes in mitochondria, including densification of mitochondrial membranes and associated reduction in the volume, rupture of outer membranes and reduction or disappearance of the mitochondrial crest, which is different from that of apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis. Mitochondria, as the core of cell metabolism, are important organelles for iron metabolism, lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. However, it remains controversial debates as how mitochondria participate in ferroptosis and the underlying mechanisms during its progression. This review summaries the current understanding of the occurrence and defense mechanisms of ferroptosis, and the role of mitochondria in promoting and inhibiting ferroptosis, which includes the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis, reactive oxygen species, and lipid metabolism in mitochondria and their roles in driving ferroptosis. Moreover, we also summarize the defense mechanisms against ferroptosis through detoxification of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation by mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, as well as mitochondrial ferritin. Other mitochondrial molecules and their regulation of ferroptosis is stated at the end. This paper reviews the latest research progress of mitochondria in the process of ferroptosis, which aims to further understand the function of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its mechanism in the occurrence and development of ferroptosis, and therefore provides a theoretical foundation for the basic research of cell biology and strategies for investigation of clinical diseases.