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Potential for therapeutic manipulation of the UPR in disease

Sang Won Park1, Umut Ozcan

  • 1Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Seminars in Immunopathology
|April 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The unfolded protein response (UPR) helps cells maintain balance, but chronic UPR activation causes disease. Targeting UPR signaling offers potential therapeutic strategies for various pathologies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a cellular state that triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR).
  • The UPR is a protective mechanism crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress.
  • Dysregulation and prolonged activation of the UPR are implicated in the development of numerous diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular signaling pathways of the UPR.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting UPR signaling.
  • To identify strategies for treating diseases associated with chronic UPR activation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on UPR molecular signaling.
  • Analysis of the role of UPR in various physiological and pathological conditions.
  • Identification of potential therapeutic targets within the UPR pathway.

Main Results:

  • The UPR signaling pathway is complex, involving multiple interconnected branches.
  • Chronic UPR activation contributes to the pathogenesis of diseases like diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
  • Specific components of the UPR pathway present viable targets for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions:

  • The UPR is a critical cellular pathway with dual roles in protection and pathology.
  • Targeting the UPR offers a promising therapeutic avenue for a range of diseases.
  • Further research into UPR modulation could lead to novel treatment strategies.

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