Interplay of stromal cell-derived factor 2 and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placenta: A review

Disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis causes a condition known as "ER stress" that triggers a finely regulated response, the unfolded protein response (UPR), primarily associated with the restoration of normal ER function. Although the UPR is principally a pro-survival process, sustained and/or prolonged stress can induce cell death. ER stress has been observed in various gestational diseases and is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we examined the role of stromal cell-derived factor 2 (SDF2) in the UPR, particularly in placental cells. We highlight recent findings that enhance our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and their influence on the balance between cell survival and death. Exploring how SDF2 affects cell survival and death during ER stress may be vital for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing adverse disease outcomes during pregnancy.