Cooling Damage in Donor Organs Linked to Ferroptosis, New Research Reveals
Groningen, Netherlands – A new study from the University of Groningen identifies ferroptosis – a form of iron-dependent cell death – as a key driver of damage to donor organs during cooling and subsequent warming, possibly paving the way for improved organ preservation techniques. The research, completed by Lucas Gartzke and defended as a PhD dissertation in the autumn of 2025 under the supervision of Prof.Rob Henning and Prof. Henri Leuvenink, demonstrates that bolstering organs’ resistance to iron radicals could considerably reduce injury.
Gartzke’s investigation, utilizing both cell and organ models, revealed that hypothermia weakens the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, leading to increased iron-dependent oxidative stress.This stress generates damaging oxygen radicals that attack DNA and trigger ferroptosis.
Crucially, the study showed that interventions targeting ferroptosis can be protective. applying Ferrostatin-1 and the mitochondrial protectant SUL-150 before cooling completely prevented cell death in tested models. Further experiments with pig kidneys indicated that deferasirox, an iron chelator, holds promise for limiting oxidative damage and enhancing the viability of organs during cold storage for transplantation.
The research also explored the natural resilience of the jerk mouse, a hibernator, uncovering a stage-specific genetic program that regulates iron levels, preventing a surge of free iron upon arousal.
Gartzke identified mitochondrial DNA as a potential biomarker for ferroptosis, offering a potential new tool for predicting the success of kidney transplants.
This research offers a new understanding of the mechanisms behind organ cooling injury and suggests targeted strategies to improve organ preservation, ultimately benefiting transplant recipients.
Source: University of Groningen & university of groningen Research
