Experts from around the globe will converge in Chicago for a groundbreaking discussion on ferroptosis, a distinctive form of cell death marked by iron-dependent buildup of lipid peroxides, during the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s Ferroptosis conference.
Scheduled for April 13–15, this meeting will run concurrently with the 2025 ASBMB Annual Meeting and will delve deep into how ferroptosis interrelates with metabolic processes and the maintenance of biochemical stability within cells.
Brent Stockwell
Xuejun Jiang
Jin Ye
In an exclusive interview with ASBMB Today, the meeting’s organizers shared insights into the significant topics surrounding ferroptosis, the rationale behind emphasizing metabolism, and their aspirations for what participants can gain.
Brent Stockwell, chair of biological sciences and a professor of pathology, cell biology, and chemistry at Columbia University, has been pivotal in the study of ferroptosis. His laboratory employs small organic molecules to systematically disrupt cellular processes to unveil their foundational mechanisms. Stockwell is actively researching how ferroptosis intersects with various diseases, particularly cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Xuejun Jiang serves as a professor at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where his lab investigates the intertwined mechanisms of apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, focusing on how these processes influence cancer development and treatment outcomes.
Jin Ye holds the position of professor of molecular genetics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. His laboratory explores the impact of lipid-mediated signaling on ferroptosis and how it connects to the onset and progression of various human diseases.
Stockwell: My research revolves around ferroptosis, metabolism, and how they relate to different diseases. It was in 2003, after nearly a decade of research, that we identified this novel kind of cell death mechanism which we named ferroptosis. Collaborating with Xuejun and other colleagues, we have been keen to create platforms for a community engaged in ferroptosis research across a multitude of biological contexts.
Ye: My journey into ferroptosis is quite distinct from that of my colleagues. I had spent years delving into lipid metabolism, particularly the metabolic pathways of fatty acids, when serendipity led me into the realm of cell death research. After knocking out a crucial protein in our studies, we inadvertently triggered ferroptosis, revealing its significance.
Stockwell: There is a strong audacity to this meeting as it presents a unique opportunity to connect with the broader molecular biology and biochemistry communities. We seek to explore new audiences and have already conducted successful meetings with Cold Spring Harbor in Asia, laying the groundwork for this initiative supported by ASBMB.
Jiang: By partnering with ASBMB, we aim to engage their diverse interests in lipid metabolism and disease biology, thus enhancing our reach and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Stockwell: We are keen to emphasize networking opportunities that will cultivate collaborations among different research groups, particularly those who may not have formally engaged with ferroptosis before.
Stockwell: To date, we are excited about our lineup of 18 speakers covering various aspects of ferroptosis, from foundational mechanisms to implications in diseases and metabolism. The theme fosters a dialogue that bridges fundamental biochemical molecular biology with metabolic considerations, aiming to draw a wider audience.
Ye: We are also committed to incorporating a mix of emerging scholars and established researchers in our speaker lineup, ensuring vibrant discussions and a wealth of knowledge-sharing opportunities for all attendees.
Stockwell: One promising focus is on how we can utilize molecular markers to evaluate patient samples for ferroptosis, potentially paving the way for exciting new therapeutic avenues in clinical settings.
Jiang: The interplay between ferroptosis and immunity, particularly within cancer contexts, presents a fascinating research frontier. Understanding how ferroptotic cell death influences immune responses opens many avenues for future investigations.
Stockwell: The spirit of collaboration between us is palpable, especially with Jin’s recent contributions enriching our discussions. Our longstanding connections ensure a meeting atmosphere filled with camaraderie, setting a welcoming tone for participants to engage freely with key figures in the ferroptosis research community.
The abstract submission deadline is Feb. 18. For additional details about the speakers and sessions, click here.
Iron Man and the Science of Cell Death: A Look Into Ferroptosis
Gather ’round, science enthusiasts and biochemistry buffs! This April, while you’re busy debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza, some of the smartest folks in the field will be gathering in Chicago for the first-ever Ferroptosis Conference. Yes, ferroptosis! It sounds like a character in a Marvel movie, but trust me, it’s way more fascinating than watching another superhero save the day.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is set to host this event from April 13–15, 2025. The spotlight will be on a unique form of cell death that’s got more drama than any reality TV show – iron-dependent lipid peroxides go rogue, and voila, welcome to ferroptosis!
Meet the Masters of Ferroptosis
Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cell death, let’s meet the brains behind this operation: Dr. Brent Stockwell, Dr. Xuejun Jiang, and Dr. Jin Ye. These three gentlemen are about as close to rock stars as you can get in the science community, minus the outrageous haircuts and questionable fashion choices.
Brent Stockwell
Xuejun Jiang
Jin Ye
Why Ferroptosis? Why Now?
Now, you may be wondering, why should we care about this exotic-sounding form of cell death? Well, let me tell you: it’s not just some passing fad like skinny jeans or TikTok dances. Brent, who literally put the “ferro” in ferroptosis, points out that this phenomenon intersects with a plethora of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Nine years into his research, he uncovered this gem – and let’s just say others have followed suit, resulting in more than 14,000 publications (and counting) on the topic!
Xuejun Jiang, who also had an unexpected encounter with ferroptosis, emphasizes that “under certain biological contexts,” what was once thought of as apoptosis can morph into this new, “bewilderingly peculiar” form of cell death. Oh, the plot thickens! And if you think you can escape the intrigue, Jin Ye entered the scene with a discovery that had him questioning his entire career after a little experiment gone awry. Lessons learned: never underestimate the power of polyunsaturated fatty acids!
What’s This Meeting All About?
This conference promises to illuminate the intersection of ferroptosis, metabolism, and biochemical homeostasis. Who knows? You might just discover that your old approach to cell death is as outdated as dial-up internet. The trio hopes to stir up excitement and bridge conversations between researchers venturing outside their usual realms. After all, sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you least expect them – like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag!
Avocado Toast and Ferroptosis: Sounds Like a Perfect Match!
With 18 speakers lined up from all corners of the globe and a mixture of veterans and fresh faces, expect a diverse take on the hottest topics in cell death. I mean, who wouldn’t be intrigued about how ferroptosis might connect to immunity in cancer? Or how it fits into that morning smoothie routine you keep raving about?
And let’s not forget the real goal of this gathering: networking. Science is great, but have you tried making connections over a cup of coffee? The organizers hope that while you’re sipping, you might just stumble upon the next great idea or collaboration. It’s like a dating app, but for scientists! Swipe right for ferroptosis!
So, What’s Next?
Underlying all this excitement is a heartfelt hope that ferroptosis research gains more visibility, inspiring budding biologists to consider its potential implications in their studies. And if the meeting booms like they expect, we might just be on the brink of something revolutionary in the understanding of diseases!
So grab your lab coats, folks! Mark your calendars, because the abstract deadline is February 18, and you won’t want to miss out on a chance to interact with leaders like Stockwell, Jiang, and Ye. For more on this intriguing topic that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi plot, head on over to the ASBMB website for updates. Let’s hope this experience is less “wasted” and more “wow!”
Commentary:
Embarking on this exploration of ferroptosis is like wandering into a glittering soirée where everyone suddenly starts discussing the mortality of cells over hors d’oeuvres. Sure, it may sound heavy, but think of it as a critical plot twist in the movie of life! You’ll be the one who suddenly knows what the scientists are whispering about in hushed circles at cocktail parties (or lab meetings)!
And let’s be honest, the researchers’ stories are a fantastic mix of accidental discoveries and groundbreaking notions—kind of like when you hit ‘shuffle’ on your playlist and “Wonderwall” unexpectedly comes on. It stirs nostalgia but also gets you grooving.
So, if you fancy yourself someone who can appreciate the art of cell death, or you’re just looking for an excuse to meet some brilliant minds while declaring “I’m doing it for science,” this meeting is definitely worth a visit. Just make sure you don’t die of boredom before the abstracts are due!
We can anticipate a flourishing interest in this unique area, encouraging a new generation of scientists to dive into the wonders of cell death, metabolism, and disease biology.
So, whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a curious student, mark your calendars for April 13-15, 2025, and join the conversation at the inaugural Ferroptosis Conference in Chicago. Learn from the experts, engage in dynamic discussions, and perhaps even stumble upon collaborative opportunities that could redefine your research trajectory.
And remember, as you ponder the complexities of ferroptosis, don’t forget the essential question: does pineapple belong on pizza? It might not have a simple answer, but it’s conversations like these that keep science vibrant and relatable.
To learn more about the speakers, sessions, and to submit your abstract by the February 18 deadline, head over to the [ASBMB conference page](https://www.asbmb.org/meetings-events/ferroptosis). It’s time to embrace the science of cell death and explore the dramatic story of ferroptosis!
