Ferroptosis is a complex mode of cell death that plays a significant role in cellular health. Ferroptosis is triggered when reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, react with iron in the cell. This reaction generates a hydroxyl radical, an unstable molecule that can damage phospholipids by forming lipid radicals. Phospholipids are the building blocks of membranes, which separate cells from their environment and envelope organelles. As such, they are essential for cellular function. However, the mechanisms of ferroptosis, and the role of membranes in this process, is not fully understood. The goal of this research is to investigate the role of membranes in ferroptosis using chemical tools to visualize membranes when hydrogen peroxide is produced. This goal will be accomplished through two main aims. Aim 1 is to synthesize a molecule that can be used to anchor a compound that fluoresces in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to membranes. Aim 2 is to use this fluorescence to track the production of hydrogen peroxide and to observe changes in membrane morphology using confocal microscopy imaging of live cells. This research will provide a fundamental understanding of ferroptosis.
Authors
First Name
Last Name
Erin
McCarthy
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Submission Details
Conference URC
Event Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (ISE)