Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling refers to the cellular response mechanisms activated when the ER, a key organelle responsible for protein folding and processing, is overwhelmed by an accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins. This condition disrupts ER homeostasis and triggers adaptive signaling pathways collectively known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR aims initially to restore homeostasis by reducing protein synthesis, increasing chaperone production, and promoting misfolded protein degradation. If these measures fail, prolonged activation leads to apoptosis. Key pathways include IRE1/XBP1, PERK/eIF2α/ATF4, and ATF6. ER stress is implicated in various diseases, and targeting UPR components has potential therapeutic value.

Other names

ER Stress SignalingUnfolded Protein ResponseUPR

Modulation of specific UPR arms to restore proteostasis or induce apoptosis.