Fig. 7: Ferroptosis inhibition reduces the level of α-syn inclusions that are linked to iron accumulation in C. elegans.

A Representative fluorescent (YFP) images of α-syn inclusions (foci) in the head of α-syn overexpressing worms (empty vector = EV) compared to worms where α-syn was knock-down by RNAi against α-syn (SNCA RNAi). B Quantification of α-syn inclusions larger than 1 μm2 in the head region per animal; n = 10 worms per condition/experiment. One representative experiment is shown. Higher levels of α-syn inclusions can be observed in α-syn overexpressing worms (EV) compared to worms where α-syn was knock-down by RNAi against α-syn (SNCA). C Levels of total iron (Fe) are significantly increased in control worms compared to SNCA RNAi worms, ^****p < 0.0001; n = 10 (200 individual C. elegans per replicate). One representative experiment is shown. D Representative fluorescent (YFP) images of α-syn inclusions (foci) in the head of day 4 adult worms treated with vehicle (DMSO 2%), deferoxamine (DFO, 100 μM), ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1, 240 μM), and a combination of DFO and Fer-1. E Quantification of α-syn inclusions larger than 1 μm² in the head region per animal, ^**p = 0.002, ^****p < 0.0001, ^*p = 0.013; n = 17 worms per condition. One representative experiment out of 3 is shown. F p-values from the three independent replicates, of which Replicate number 2 is shown in (E). Statistical significance was determined by an unpaired t-test or one-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons (p < 0.05).