Figure 5.

The diagram illustrates the connection between autophagy and lipid metabolism in CSCs, highlighting the central role of mitochondria in sustaining CSCs through metabolites from fatty acid metabolism and autophagy degradation. Key enzymes facilitate the production of Acetyl CoA, crucial for FAO, the TCA cycle, and ATP generation. The diagram also depicts lipid peroxidation and the role of GPX4 in inducing ferroptosis in CSCs. Additionally, CD8+ and Treg cells are shown to regulate CSC stemness. Various inhibitors targeting autophagy, lipid metabolism, and FAO at critical regulatory points are included, aiming to eliminate CSCs.