Ferroptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells: Current status and future developments

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells play a crucial role in maintaining the normal function of the retina. In recent years, research on ferroptosis-a novel iron-dependent form of cell death-in RPE cells has gradually attracted attention. This article reviews the mechanisms of ferroptosis in RPE cells, including iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, and functional impairment of the glutathione-glutathione peroxidase 4 (GSH-GPX4) system. It explores the association between ferroptosis in RPE cells and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. Additionally, it analyzes the future challenges in current research on ferroptosis in RPE cells, such as gaining in-depth understanding of complex regulatory networks and developing precise intervention strategies, so as to provide new insights and directions for the prevention and treatment of retinal diseases.