Cellular labile iron pool (LIP)

The cellular labile iron pool (LIP) represents a dynamic, low-molecular-weight fraction of chelatable and redox-active iron within the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus. This pool serves as a transient reservoir that supplies iron for the synthesis of heme and iron-sulfur clusters, which are essential for DNA replication and mitochondrial energy production. While vital for cellular metabolism, an expanded LIP is highly toxic as it catalyzes the production of hydroxyl radicals via the Fenton reaction, leading to lipid peroxidation and a form of regulated cell death known as ferroptosis. In diseases such as hereditary hemochromatosis and certain neurodegenerative disorders, the LIP becomes pathologically elevated, contributing to tissue damage. Therapeutic intervention typically involves the use of iron chelators, such as deferoxamine or deferiprone, which bind these free ions to neutralize their oxidative potential and facilitate their excretion. Consequently, the LIP is a critical target for managing iron overload and is increasingly being explored as a vulnerability in cancer therapy.

Other names

Labile iron poolChelatable iron poolIntracellular iron poolFree iron poolRedox-active iron

Chelation of redox-active iron ions to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species and reduce iron-dependent enzyme activity.