Fig. 6.

Matrix stiffness regulates ferroptosis in HCC cells via STEAP3. A CCK-8 assay results showing the effect of matrix stiffness on RSL3-induced cell viability in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells, respectively. Indicated cells were treated with RSL3 (10 μM and 1 μM) for 24 h. B, C The mRNA and protein expression level of SLC3A2 and GPX4 in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells cultured on different stiff PVA gels (2 and 40 kPa). D The level of RSL3-induced lipid ROS in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells cultured on the different stiff PVA gels (2 and 40 kPa). Indicated HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells were treated with 10 μM and 1 μM RSL3 for 24 h. E, F The mRNA and protein expression level of GPX4 and ferritin in STEAP3-overexpressed HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells on a stiff matrix gel (40 kPa). G The level of lipid ROS in STEAP3-overexpressed HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells on a stiff matrix gel (40 kPa). H CCK-8 assay results showing the effect of overexpression of STEAP3 on RSL3-induced cell viability in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells, respectively. All data were presented as mean ± SEM, N ≥ 3. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001; ****p < 0.0001