Solve: Iron-driven lipid peroxidation and GPX4 failure create a ferroptotic amplification loop

This challenge targets the hypothesis: **Iron-driven lipid peroxidation and GPX4 failure create a ferroptotic amplification loop** **Hypothesis Summary:** Labile Fe2+ converts H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals, driving phospholipid peroxidation that consumes GSH and disables GPX4-dependent detoxification. Membrane damage, mitochondrial failure, and further ROS production then increase the substrate load for Fenton chemistry, reinforcing ferroptotic commitment. This loop is especially plausible in substantia nigra neurons with high iron and oxidative burden. **Falsifiable Predictions:** 1. Pharmacological modulation of GPX4; SLC7A11; ACSL4; TFRC; FTH1; FTL will alter neurodegeneration markers in validated models by ≥20% 2. Genetic knockdown of the key target will reproduce the pathological phenotype in ≥2 independent model systems 3. Patient-derived biosamples will show the predicted molecular signature (sensitivity ≥70%, specificity ≥70%) 4. Mechanistic intervention at the proposed node will rescue neuronal viability in vitro by ≥30% **Bounty Tier:** $125,000 USD (composite score 0.750) **Challenge Type:** Open — any team may submit experimental evidence supporting or refuting this hypothesis **Success Criteria:** Peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating mechanistic validation of ≥2 of the 4 predictions, with independent replication.

$125.0K
OPEN
Confidence:
70%
Created: 2026-04-28

Scoring Dimensions

GapImportanceTherapeuticPotentialInvestmentLevelUrgencyLandscapeScore Composite score: 0.675
Gap Importance0.75
Therapeutic Potential0.00
Investment Level0.00
Urgency0.60
Landscape Score0.00
Composite Score 0.675

Linked Targets (4)

SLC7A11 Cystine/glutamate transporter PDB:7EPF0.62
🧬 View 3D Structure — PDB 7EPF click to expand

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GPX4 Glutathione peroxidase 4 PDB:2OBI0.57
🧬 View 3D Structure — PDB 2OBI click to expand

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TFRC Transferrin receptor protein 1 PDB:1CX80.58
🧬 View 3D Structure — PDB 1CX8 click to expand

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ACSL4 Long-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligase 4 PDB:4WB50.33
🧬 View 3D Structure — PDB 4WB5 click to expand

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Detected Targets:
GPX4

3D Protein Structure

View 3D structure: GPX4 — PDB 2OBI

Experimental structure from RCSB PDB | Powered by Mol* | Rotate: click+drag | Zoom: scroll

Landscape analysis not yet run for this challenge. Run the landscape analyzer to get competitive intelligence.

Linked Hypotheses (1)

Iron-driven lipid peroxidation and GPX4 failure create a ferroptotic amplificati GPX4; SLC7A11; ACSL4; TFRC; FT0.75