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Polystyrene microspheres could inhibit the ferroptosis of prostate cancer cells via USP39/IGF2BP3/MAPK4 axis

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Polystyrene (PS) particles, which have been recognized as emerging environmental pollutants, have increasingly been associated with various human diseases. However, their specific role and underlying mechanisms in prostate cancer development have not been fully elucidated. METHODS: We investigated the characterization properties of PS particles. Subsequently, we examined the impact of PS particles on prostate cancer proliferation using in vitro experiments. Through mRNA sequencing, RIP, and mass spectrometry analysis, we confirmed a close interaction among USP39, IGF2BP3, and MAPK4. The rescue experiment demonstrated that ferroptosis is intricately involved in this process. To further validate our results, we performed mouse xenograft experiments. RESULTS: In this study, PS particles significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer cells through the regulation of ferroptosis. It was found that USP39 interacts with IGF2BP3, which, in turn, stabilizes MAPK4, a key regulator of ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings illuminate the complex relationship between environmental pollutants such as PS and cancer progression, offering new avenues for research and potential therapeutic interventions in prostate cancer.
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-025-06868-7
Authors: Shengming Lu, Ruipeng Wu, Weijian Li, Zhenyu Fu, Xuefei Ding, Yang Luan, Huang Tianbao, Yuhua Huang
Institutions: Soochow University, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,890
OpenAlex ID: W4413106793
FWCI: 1.174
Cites: 33
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10