Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules
Published on: May 12, 2017
The critical role of GRP78 in physiologic and pathologic stress
Kyle T Pfaffenbach1, Amy S Lee
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9176, USA.
Abstract:
GRP78 is a major endoplasmic reticulum chaperone as well as a master regulator of the unfolded protein response. In addition to playing an essential role in early embryonic development, recent studies have emerged specifically implicating GRP78 and chaperone integrity in the aging process and age-related diseases. Another exciting discovery is the regulation of GRP78 by insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways impacting cell proliferation and survival. Mouse models of cancer, in combination with cell culture studies, validate the critical role of GRP78 in tumorigenesis and tumor angiogenesis. Further, these studies demonstrate the ability of GRP78 to suppress oncogenic PI3K/AKT signaling. The discovery of cell surface GRP78, in cancer cells and cells undergoing ER stress, presents a novel therapeutic strategy.
Related Concept Videos
Other Stress Responses in Bacteria
Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Stringent Response in E. coli
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
