The dual function of mitophagy in ferroptosis

Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Thus, it is closely related to the lipid and iron metabolism. Accumulating evidence has suggested mitochondria, the center of cell metabolism, are important regulators of ferroptosis. This is not surprising as mitochondria are also the center for lipid metabolism and iron metabolism, as well as redox balance. As the essential way of mitochondrial quality control, mitophagy may alleviate ferroptosis. On the other hand, the digestion of iron-rich mitochondria may provide ample sources for the activation of ferroptosis. This review describes these new findings about the interplay of mitophagy and ferroptosis and demonstrates the dual role of mitophagy in ferroptosis.