Erastin


Erastin is a small molecule capable of initiating ferroptotic cell death. Erastin binds and inhibits VDAC2 and VDAC3 and functionally inhibits the cystine-glutamate antiporter system Xc-. Cells treated with erastin are deprived of cysteine and are unable to synthesize the antioxidant glutathione. Depletion of glutathione eventually leads to excessive lipid peroxidation and cell death.