Microtubule depolymerization induces ferroptosis in neuroblastoma cells

Abstract Estramustine (EM), a clinically successful hormone‐refractory anti‐prostate cancer drug, exhibited potent anti‐proliferative activity, depolymerized microtubules, blocked cells at mitosis, and induced cell death in different cancer cells. Altered iron metabolism is a feature of cancer cells. Using EM, we examined the plausible relationship between microtubule depolymerization and induction of ferroptosis in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y and IMR‐32) cells. EM reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The pre‐treatment of neuroblastoma cells with ROS scavengers (N‐acetyl cysteine and dithiothreitol) reduced the anti‐proliferative effects of EM. EM treatment increased labile iron pool (LIP), depleted glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels, and lipid peroxidation, hallmark features of ferroptosis, highlighting ferroptosis induction. Ferroptosis inhibitors (deferoxamine mesylate and liproxstatin‐1) abrogated the cytotoxic effects of EM, further confirming ferroptosis induction. Vinblastine and nocodazole also increased LIP and induced lipid peroxidation in neuroblastoma cells. This study provides evidence for the coupling of microtubule integrity to ferroptosis. The results also suggest that microtubule‐depolymerizing agents may be considered for developing pro‐ferroptosis chemotherapeutics.