Gcn2 deficiency triggers anemia and hypoxic intolerance in zebrafish

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a conserved signaling hub that orchestrates cellular adaptation to diverse stressors to maintain intracellular homeostasis. However, the specific role of the ISR in regulating hypoxic adaptation and redox homeostasis remains poorly defined. Here, we identify general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) as an essential factor for maintaining redox balance and suppressing ferroptosis. Gcn2-deficient zebrafish exhibit hypersensitivity to hypoxia, characterized by excessive heme degradation and mitochondrial damage. Loss of Gcn2 leads to upregulation of hmox1a, reduced erythrocyte numbers, and elevated levels of free ionic iron, collectively contributing to the development of anemia. Mechanistically, loss of Gcn2 downregulates slc3a2b, resulting in disturbed cysteine metabolism. This defect impairs glutathione biosynthesis, triggering ferroptosis characterized by elevated oxidative stress and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. GCN2 deficiency also induces ferroptosis in HeLa cells. Our findings elucidate a critical role for GCN2 in protecting against ferroptosis and promoting hypoxic tolerance.