Fig. 7. The scientific hypothesis of this study proposes that MLX expression is driven by SEs, and MLX in turn regulates the cystine/glutamate transporter SLC7A11, promoting cystine transport.

Intracellular cystine is then converted to cysteine, which is involved in the synthesis of GSH. GSH plays a vital role in scavenging ROS and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, which is mediated by ROS and ultimately leads to ferroptosis. The pharmaceutical targeting of SLC7A11 with SAS induces ferroptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to evaluate the potential of potent ferroptosis inducers, such as SAS, for osteosarcoma treatment.