Disturbances of endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis in neurodevelopmental disorders

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a vital organelle involved in the biogenesis of membrane and secreted proteins. Proteostasis (protein homeostasis) in the ER relies on finely co-ordinated mechanisms for translocation of polypeptides from the cytosol to the organelle lumen and membrane, introduction of co- and post-translational modifications, protein folding and quality control, exportation of mature proteins and disposal of unfolded or aggregated species, besides the regulation of gene expression to adjust the proteostasis network to the cellular demands for protein biogenesis. Neurodevelopmental processes involving neurogenesis, neuronal migration and differentiation, neural circuit wiring, synaptogenesis, among others, require extensive proteome diversification and remodeling, with high fluxes through the secretory pathways constantly challenging ER proteostasis. Genetic defects affecting the different nodes of the ER proteostasis network can severely disturb neurodevelopment. Here, we compile evidence illustrating how perturbations to the different steps of protein biogenesis in the ER can lead to neurological disorders and present major questions to guide research in the field.