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Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Meaning

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress is a cellular condition that arises when the capacity of the ER to fold and process proteins is overwhelmed by an excessive accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins. This disruption of proteostasis triggers the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), a complex signaling pathway designed to restore ER function by increasing chaperone synthesis and reducing protein translation. Chronic or unresolved ER stress is implicated in numerous pathologies, including metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration.