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Endoplasmic reticulum stress in the kidney.
1Department of Molecular Signaling, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Shimokato 1110, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan. masanori@yamanashi.ac.jp.
Clinical and Experimental Nephrology
|June 10, 2008
Summary
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, triggered by unfolded proteins, plays a complex role in kidney disease. The unfolded protein response (UPR) can promote cell survival or death, impacting kidney health.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cellular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is implicated in numerous diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration.
- It arises from the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins within the ER.
- ER stress is also involved in normal physiological processes, such as cell development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the pathophysiological roles of ER stress in the kidney.
- To explore the dual nature of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on ER stress and kidney pathophysiology.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on triggers, adaptive responses, and consequences of ER stress in renal contexts.
Main Results:
- ER stress is a common factor in various kidney pathologies.
- The unfolded protein response (UPR) exhibits a "double-edged sword" effect, mediating both prosurvival and proapoptotic signals.
- UPR can also influence inflammatory pathways, contributing to both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the kidney.
Conclusions:
- ER stress significantly contributes to kidney disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding the UPR's complex signaling is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for kidney disorders.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific mechanisms and therapeutic potential of targeting ER stress in the kidney.
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