Upon accumulation of misfolded proteins in the mitochondria, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is activated. This review focuses on the role of this response in cancer. We discuss evidence that during transformation, the UPRmt may play an essential role in the maintenance of the integrity of the mitochondria in the face of increased oxidative stress. However, the role of the UPRmt in other diseases is also emerging and is therefore also briefly discussed.
Keywords: ALS; cancer; estrogen receptor; mitochondria; mitochondrial unfolded protein response; sirtuin deacetylase.