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The mammalian endoplasmic reticulum as a sensor for cellular stress
Yanjun Ma1, Linda M Hendershot
1Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
Cell Stress & Chaperones
|October 17, 2002
Summary
The mammalian unfolded protein response pathway protects cells from stress. This complex signaling pathway, monitored in the endoplasmic reticulum, benefits the entire organism.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a critical cellular pathway.
- UPR activation is triggered by stress in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mammalian unfolded protein response pathway.
- To understand its role in cellular protection and organismal health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of signal transduction mechanisms.
- Investigating transcriptional complexity.
Main Results:
- The UPR is a transcriptionally complex signal transduction pathway.
- It protects cells from diverse physical and biochemical stresses.
Conclusions:
- The UPR pathway, initiated in the endoplasmic reticulum, extends benefits beyond the cell.
- It plays a vital role in normal development and disease states.