The Unfolded Protein Response: At the Intersection between Endoplasmic Reticulum Function and Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
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Updated: Mar 4, 2026

Study of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria Interactions by In Situ Proximity Ligation Assay in Fixed Cells
Published on: December 10, 2016
Amado Carreras-Sureda1,2,3, Philippe Pihán1,2,3, Claudio Hetz1,2,3,4,5
1Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to mitochondria communication has emerged in recent years as a signaling hub regulating cellular physiology with a relevant contribution to diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration. This functional integration is exerted through discrete interorganelle structures known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). At these domains, ER/mitochondria physically associate to dynamically adjust metabolic demands and the response to stress stimuli. Here, we provide a focused overview of how the ER shapes the function of the mitochondria, giving a special emphasis to the significance of local signaling of the unfolded protein response at MAMs. The implications to cell fate control and the progression of cancer are also discussed.
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