Ferroptosis in Oral Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential

The study of ferroptosis, a regulated iron-dependent cell death modality marked by lipid peroxidation, is reshaping the landscape of disease research, particularly in the context of oncology. In recent years, the relevance of ferroptosis to oral diseases such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, periodontitis, and disorders of bone metabolism has gained increasing attention. While oncological research has demonstrated the pivotal role of ferroptosis in tumor progression, survival, and treatment resistance, its diverse functions in oral pathologies remain less comprehensively understood. Recent experimental findings indicate that ferroptosis influences crucial aspects of oral disease, including inflammation, bone remodeling, and epithelial cell survival. However, uncertainties persist regarding its precise impact on different oral cell types, its interplay with immune responses and metabolic processes, and its translational value as a therapeutic target. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential to crystallize our understanding of ferroptosis and unlock its potential for clinical innovation in oral health.This Research Topic aims to advance the field by systematically dissecting the dual and context-dependent roles of ferroptosis across multiple oral tissue types and disease settings. The objective is to move beyond fragmented studies and establish a comprehensive framework elucidating how ferroptosis regulates the behavior of cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and cancer cells within the oral and craniofacial environment. The ultimate goal is to spur mechanistic research that clarifies the interconnections between ferroptosis, immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and oral disease pathogenesis, while fostering translational studies that evaluate the feasibility of targeting ferroptosis for innovative diagnostics and therapies. By integrating advances from cell biology, immunology, and metabolism, this Research Topic seeks to identify actionable strategies for disease intervention and inform the development of next-generation treatments for major oral diseases.The scope of this Research Topic is centered on the mechanistic basis and therapeutic implications of ferroptosis in the oral and craniofacial complex, while focusing on translationally relevant discoveries. We invite articles that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:o Molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in oral mucosal cells, salivary gland cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts;o The role of ferroptosis in oral oncology, including OSCC initiation, progression, metastasis, and mechanisms of treatment resistance;o Contributions of ferroptosis to inflammatory oral diseases such as periodontitis and periapical lesions;o Crosstalk between ferroptosis, immune cell function (e.g., macrophages, T cells), and metabolic pathways in oral pathologies;o Identification of novel biomarkers related to ferroptosis for early diagnosis or prognosis and evaluation of ferroptosis-modulating agents in preclinical and clinical settings.Appendix: This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and perspective pieces focusing on mechanisms, biomarkers, and translational opportunities surrounding ferroptosis in the context of oral diseases. Topic editors: Zhongxiu Wang, Li-Li Chen, Xiaoling Li Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81374/ferroptosis-in-oral-diseases-mechanistic-insights-and-therapeutic-potential