BACH1 inhibits senescence, obesity, and short lifespan by ferroptotic FGF21 secretion

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. A model cell system is constructed to induce ferroptosis by re-expressing the transcription factor BACH1, a potent ferroptosis inducer, in immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (iMEFs). The transfer of the culture supernatant from ferroptotic iMEFs activates the proliferation of hepatoma cells and other fibroblasts and suppresses cellular senescence-like features. The BACH1-dependent secretion of the longevity factor FGF21 is increased in ferroptotic iMEFs. The anti-senescent effects of the culture supernatant from these iMEFs are abrogated by Fgf21 knockout. BACH1 activates the transcription of Fgf21 by promoting ferroptotic stress and increases FGF21 protein expression by suppressing its autophagic degradation through transcriptional Sqstm1 and Lamp2 repression. The BACH1-induced ferroptotic FGF21 secretion suppresses obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice and the short lifespan of progeria mice. The inhibition of these aging-related phenotypes can be physiologically significant regarding ferroptosis.