This study elucidates the unique mechanism by which the USP5/YBX3/SLC7A11 axis regulates ferroptosis in CRC, offering a multidimensional analysis: USP5 stabilizes SLC7A11 by degrading YBX3 via the lysosomal pathway, balancing autophagy and ferroptosis (Fig. 7). The gene discussed is SLC7A11; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.