Ferroptosis in Podocytes: An Emerging Focus in Kidney Diseases

Ferroptosis is a mechanism of programmed cell death that is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and it is closely associated with organismal metabolism. Modulating ferroptosis may offer therapeutic potential for various diseases. Podocytes are essential intrinsic cells in the renal corpuscle, and podocyte injury contributes to the progression of kidney diseases. A growing number of studies have confirmed that ferroptosis can occur in podocytes, and inhibiting podocyte ferroptosis may provide protective effects in multiple kidney diseases. However, the specific pathogenic molecular mechanisms and treatments for podocyte ferroptosis are still under investigation. In this review, we systematically review the core mechanisms of ferroptosis, including iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism; summarize the molecular mechanisms of podocyte ferroptosis in various types of kidney disease; and discuss the current therapeutic strategies targeting podocyte ferroptosis. By synthesizing this information, we explore the potential of podocyte ferroptosis as a therapeutic target for kidney diseases, aiming to provide insights for both basic research and the clinical treatment of podocyte injury.