Previous studies suggested that cell death in (Friedreich Ataxia) FRDA may involve ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death requiring lipid peroxidation. Based on reports that oleic acid acts as a ferroptosis inhibitor, the authors evaluated whether it, other fatty acids, and fatty acid derivatives could rescue viability in cellular models of FRDA. they identified a trifluoromethyl alcohol analog of oleic acid that was significantly more potent than oleic acid itself. Further evaluation indicated that the effects were stereoselective, although a specific molecular target has not yet been identified. This work provides a potential starting point for therapeutics to treat FRDA, as well as a valuable probe molecule to interrogate FRDA pathophysiology.

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