Suppression of Hepatocyte Ferroptosis via USP19-Mediated Deubiquitination of SLC7A11 in Ischemia-Free Liver Transplantation (Adv. Sci. 6/2025)

Abstract

Suppression of Hepatocyte Ferroptosis

The cover art features a butterfly ornament, with its wings symbolizing two distinct states of liver transplantation: the right wing represents conventional liver transplantation (CLT), while the left wing represents Ischemia-free liver transplantation (IFLT). The tarnished tail of the right wing, adorned with ubiquitin (Ub) beads, illustrates the ubiquitination and degradation of SLC7A11, leading to oxidative stress, increased ROS damage, and ferroptosis in ischemic livers. In contrast, the polished, untarnished tail of the left wing features ubiquitin chains being clipped by scissors representing USP19, symbolizing how USP19-mediated deubiquitination of SLC7A11 prevents hepatocyte ferroptosis and preserves liver integrity during IFLT. This artwork highlights Jinghong Xu, Zhiyong Guo, and co-workers' discovery of USP19's critical role in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in liver grafts by suppressing ferroptosis. More details can be found in article number 2406200. The cover art was created by Coloring Guangzhou.