Imidazole ketone erastin is an inducer of ferroptosis. It inhibits glutamate release in human CCF-STTG1 astrocytoma cells (IC50 = 30 nM), indicating inhibition of the system xc- cystine/glutamate transporter. Imidazole ketone erastin increases production of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SUDHL6 diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as reduces glutathione (GSH) levels in these cells (IC50 = 34 nM). It inhibits the growth of HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells (GI50 = 310 nM) as well as HRASG12V-overexpressing BJeLR cells (IC50 = 3 nM). Imidazole ketone erastin (23 and 40 mg/kg) reduces tumor growth in an SUDHL6 mouse xenograft model.
