Iron overload damages mitochondria and induces metabolic rewiring of hematopoietic stem cells towards glycolysis

The authors investigate how iron overload (IO) affects the function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), specifically focusing on the mechanisms behind impaired mitochondrial function and metabolic changes. They demonstrate that IO leads to mitochondrial damage and a shift in HSC metabolism towards glycolysis, which compromises quiescence and self-renewal. The study highlights the critical relationship between iron levels, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial activity in regulating HSC metabolic programs.