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Published on: December 18, 2013
Regulating Secretory Proteostasis through the Unfolded Protein Response: From Function to Therapy
1Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Abstract:
Imbalances in secretory proteostasis induced by genetic, environmental, or aging-related insults are pathologically associated with etiologically diverse protein misfolding diseases. To protect the secretory proteome from these insults, organisms evolved stress-responsive signaling pathways that regulate the composition and activity of biologic pathways involved in secretory proteostasis maintenance. The most prominent of these is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR), which functions to regulate ER proteostasis in response to ER stress. While the signaling mechanisms involved in UPR activation are well defined, the impact of UPR activation on secretory proteostasis is only now becoming clear. Here, we highlight recent reports defining how activation of select UPR signaling pathways influences proteostasis within the ER and downstream secretory environments. Furthermore, we describe recent evidence that highlights the therapeutic potential for targeting UPR signaling pathways to correct pathologic disruption in secretory proteostasis associated with diverse types of protein misfolding diseases.
Insights
Disruptions in secretory proteostasis cause protein misfolding diseases. Targeting the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPR) may offer therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Secretory proteostasis imbalances are linked to protein misfolding diseases.
- Organisms possess stress-responsive pathways, like the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR), to maintain proteostasis.
- UPR signaling is crucial for managing ER stress and protecting the secretory proteome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate how UPR activation impacts ER and downstream secretory proteostasis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting UPR pathways for protein misfolding diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on UPR signaling and proteostasis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of UPR activation on secretory environments.
- Examination of evidence for therapeutic interventions targeting UPR pathways.
Main Results:
- Recent reports define how specific UPR pathways influence proteostasis within the ER and beyond.
- Evidence suggests UPR activation plays a significant role in maintaining secretory proteostasis under stress.
Conclusions:
- Understanding UPR's impact on proteostasis is key to developing new treatments.
- Targeting UPR signaling presents a promising therapeutic avenue for diverse protein misfolding diseases.
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