Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Subdomains in Cultured Cells
Published on: February 18, 2014
Endoplasmic Reticulum: Target for Next-Generation Cancer Therapy
Samya Banerjee1, Wenying Zhang1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
Abstract:
Tumour-targeting and selective ER stress inducers: Small-molecule compounds that target the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and induce ER stress are emerging as next-generation anticancer agents. This highlight discusses a few current works on this topic and its enormous potential in the fight against cancer.
Insights
Small molecules that induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are promising anticancer agents. These compounds selectively target tumours, offering a new strategy in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a crucial role in protein homeostasis within cells.
- Dysregulation of ER function is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
- Targeting cellular stress pathways presents a novel therapeutic avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on small-molecule compounds that induce ER stress.
- To highlight the potential of ER stress inducers as anticancer agents.
- To discuss the selective targeting of tumours by these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on ER stress inducers.
- Analysis of small-molecule compounds targeting the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Discussion of experimental findings and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Small-molecule compounds capable of inducing ER stress are being developed.
- These compounds demonstrate selective targeting of tumour cells.
- ER stress induction shows significant potential in preclinical cancer models.
Conclusions:
- Targeted induction of ER stress is a promising strategy for next-generation cancer therapy.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to novel anticancer drugs.
- Selective ER stress inducers offer a potential pathway to overcome treatment resistance.
Related Concept Videos
Endoplasmic Reticulum
The Endoplasmic Reticulum
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

