TMEM164 Inhibitors

TMEM164 Inhibitors are a class of chemicals that decrease the expression of TMEM164, a positive regulator of ferroptosis. These inhibitors work through a variety of mechanisms, some of which inhibit the same cellular processes that TMEM164 promotes. For example, Ferrostatin-1 and Liproxstatin-1 directly inhibit ferroptosis, thereby counteracting TMEM164's role in facilitating this form of cell death. Iron-chelating agents such as Desferrioxamine and Deferasirox specifically target TMEM164's function in increasing intracellular iron levels to promote ferroptosis. On the other hand, inhibitors like 3-Methyladenine and Chloroquine target autophagosome formation and fusion, which are selective actions of TMEM164 during ferroptosis.

Other inhibitors such as LY294002 and Wortmannin target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, affecting autophagy and, consequently, the role of TMEM164 in ATG5-dependent autophagosome formation. PD98059 operates by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK pathway, which could also impact TMEM164's regulation of ferritin degradation. By inhibiting these signaling pathways, the compounds effectively suppress TMEM164's ability to carry out its functions, offering multiple points of intervention. These inhibitors thereby provide a comprehensive approach to modulating TMEM164's diverse roles in ferroptosis and autophagy.