Retraction notice to "Potential of ß-elemene induced ferroptosis through Pole2-mediated p53 and PI3K/AKT signaling in lung cancer cells" [Chem. Biol. Interact. 365 (25 September 2022) 110088].

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). The entire 'Reason' text must be identical to that in the XML version Box 6).

Potential of ß-elemene induced ferroptosis through Pole2-mediated p53 and PI3K/AKT signaling in lung cancer cells.

Ferroptosis is crucial for tumor growth inhibition. Moreover, ferroptosis has been considered as a potential strategy against cancer. The present study focused on the mechanism of ferroptosis induction by ß-elemene during the lung cancer (extracted from the Chinese medicine Curcuma Wen yujin). CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and biochemical assays including intracellular ROS, MDA, GSH, iron and 8-OHdG level were performed. DNA polymerase epsilon subunit 2 (Pole2) and the ferroptosis-related proteins were studied by utilizing western blotting. The study results showed that the ß-elemene reduced the viability of lung cancer cells via ferroptosis. Furthermore, multiple experiments confirmed that Pole2 knockdown enhanced the production of lipid ROS, MDA and iron, leading to the iron-dependent ferroptosis in lung cancer cells. Overexpression of Pole2 inhibited ß-elemene-induced ferroptosis through reduction of iron-dependent oxidative damage. Mechanically, Pole2 reduced the upregulation of p53 expression, and increased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in ß-elemene-induced cells. Overexpression of TP53 or the inhibitor of PI3K/AKT pathway reversed the effects of Pole2. Together, ß-elemene evoked ferroptosis through the Pole2-regulated p53 or PI3K/AKT signalling, and might be an effective therapy for lung carcinogenesis.