concepts
SLC7A11 is the substrate-specific subunit of system xc-, the antiporter that imports cystine in exchange for glutamate. The imported cystine feeds glutathione synthesis, which in turn supports GPX4 in detoxifying lipid hydroperoxides.
SLC7A11 is therefore a central negative regulator of ferroptosis and one of the canonical transcriptional targets of NRF2. Because it sits at the head of this antioxidant supply chain, cells that rely heavily on glutathione to survive oxidative stress are correspondingly dependent on SLC7A11; the small molecule erastin induces ferroptosis by blocking system xc-.
Related terms
Source papers
- Chemotherapy-induced senescence promotes stroma stiffness and antioxidant adaptation to promote chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma doi:10.1038/s41467-026-75772-5