Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
10:36
Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Targeting endoplasmic reticulum signaling pathways in cancer
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 155 Ch. Des Boveresses, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|June 13, 2012
Summary
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response helps cells adapt to protein overload. Tumors exploit ER signaling for growth, but drugs targeting this pathway may offer new cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for protein synthesis and folding.
- Limited ER capacity can lead to protein overload and misfolded proteins.
- ER stress response pathways are activated to maintain cellular homeostasis or induce apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss how tumors utilize ER signaling pathways for tumorigenesis.
- To explore the potential of targeting ER signaling pathways in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ER stress and cancer.
- Analysis of ER signaling pathways in tumor development.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting ER stress.
Main Results:
- Tumors hijack ER signaling to promote their growth and survival.
- Dysregulation of ER signaling is implicated in various cancers.
- ER stress response pathways play a dual role in cancer, potentially promoting or inhibiting tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding tumor engagement with ER signaling is vital for cancer therapy.
- Targeting ER-signaling pathways presents a promising avenue for novel anticancer drugs.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex role of ER stress in cancer.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:34Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
The organelle-specific signaling sequences direct proteins synthesized in the cytosol to their final destination like ER, mitochondria, peroxisomes, etc. Some of the proteins directed to ER are then trafficked via vesicles to other organelles within the cell or the extracellular environment through the Golgi complex. For example, the rough ER synthesizes soluble proteins for transportation to the lysosomes or secretion out of the cell. It can also synthesize transmembrane proteins that can...
01:17Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
Eukaryotic cells have a special pathway that enables communication between various intracellular membrane-bound compartments and also with the extracellular environment. This pathway is termed as 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...
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...