Ferroptosis inhibitors in organ transplantation

Currently, the success of organ transplantation is hampered by the adverse effects that occur during reperfusion of the graft. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), or reoxygenation injury, is the tissue damage caused during reperfusion of the organ after a period of lack of oxygen supply. As a consequence, oxidative stress occurs, which can kill cells in an iron-dependent way. This type of cell death is known as ferroptosis, which can trigger the activation of the immune system. Both the cell death and inflammation, induced by the ferroptosis, can lead to primary graft dysfunction. In this PhD research project, the focus will go to the inhibition of ferroptosis in order to block IRI during preservation and reperfusion of the organ grafts. Using a novel ferroptosis inhibitor in small animal models for IRI, the effect of a novel ferroptosis inhibitor will be analyzed in the kidney and the liver.