{THE} {ESSENTIAL} {BIOLOGY} {OF} {THE} {ENDOPLASMIC} {RETICULUM} {STRESS} {RESPONSE} {FOR} {STRUCTURAL} {AND} {COMPUTATIONAL} {BIOLOGISTS}

摘要

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a cytoprotective mechanism that maintains homeostasis of the {ER} by upregulating the capacity of the {ER} in accordance with cellular demands. If the {ER} stress response cannot function correctly, because of reasons such as aging, genetic mutation or environmental stress, unfolded proteins accumulate in the {ER} and cause {ER} stress-induced apoptosis, resulting in the onset of folding diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus. Although the mechanism of the {ER} stress response has been analyzed extensively by biochemists, cell biologists and molecular biologists, many aspects remain to be elucidated. For example, it is unclear how sensor molecules detect {ER} stress, or how cells choose the two opposite cell fates (survival or apoptosis) during the {ER} stress response. To resolve these critical issues, structural and computational approaches will be indispensable, although the mechanism of the {ER} stress response is complicated and difficult to understand holistically at a glance. Here, we provide a concise introduction to the mammalian {ER} stress response for structural and computational biologists.