From endoplasmic-reticulum stress to the inflammatory response

Nature. 2008 Jul 24;454(7203):455-62. doi: 10.1038/nature07203.

Abstract

The endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for much of a cell's protein synthesis and folding, but it also has an important role in sensing cellular stress. Recently, it has been shown that the endoplasmic reticulum mediates a specific set of intracellular signalling pathways in response to the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins, and these pathways are collectively known as the unfolded-protein response. New observations suggest that the unfolded-protein response can initiate inflammation, and the coupling of these responses in specialized cells and tissues is now thought to be fundamental in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. The knowledge gained from this emerging field will aid in the development of therapies for modulating cellular stress and inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Protein Folding
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases