Spermine is an endogenous iron chelator that inhibits ferroptosis

Researchers identified spermine as an endogenous iron chelator that inhibits ferroptosis on June 3, 2026. The study, published in Nature, details a non-canonical metabolic pathway for spermine synthesis involving ALDH18A1. This pathway limits iron availability and lipid peroxidation, particularly within hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The findings suggest that spermine's role extends beyond its known functions, acting as a crucial regulator in cellular iron homeostasis and a potential target for therapeutic interventions against iron-dependent cell death pathways.