RNF20/RNF40 supports aggressive behavior in cervical cancer by regulating peroxisome-based anti-ferroptotic mechanism

Cervical cancer treatments sometimes prove ineffective, indicating a need for personalized therapies. The present study demonstrate a strong correlation between high levels of the RNF20/RNF40 protein complex and aggressive cervical cancer. Our transcriptome analyzes uncovered a previously unknown role of this protein complex regulating peroxisomal pathway genes, which are crucial for lipid metabolism and the balance of reactive oxygen species. The loss of RNF20/RNF40 leads to reduced effectiveness of these genes, increasing lipid peroxidation and inducing a form of programmed cell death known as ferroptosis. These findings suggest that targeting the RNF20/RNF40 protein complex and its regulation capabilities could lead to new treatments for aggressive cervical cancer.