Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membrane-bound organelle that serves as the cell’s biosynthetic powerhouse and transport highway.

Rough ER (RER)

Part of the ER with ribosomes on its surface, primarily involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth ER (SER)

Part of the ER lacking ribosomes, involved in lipid metabolism, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Protein synthesis

The process by which cells build proteins, primarily occurring in the rough ER.

Lipid metabolism

The process by which lipids are synthesized and broken down, mainly occurring in the smooth ER.

Calcium storage

The function of the smooth ER in regulating intracellular calcium levels.

Drug detoxification

The process by which the smooth ER modifies or neutralizes harmful substances.

Cotranslational translocation

The process of protein entry into the ER as it is being synthesized.

Post-translational translocation

The process by which proteins are moved into the ER after they have been fully synthesized.

Signal recognition particle (SRP)

A protein-RNA complex that directs the ribosome to the ER during protein synthesis.

Glycosylation

The process of adding sugar molecules to proteins or lipids, often occurring in the ER.

Chaperones

Proteins that assist in the proper folding and maturation of other proteins.

Disulfide bond formation

The creation of covalent bonds between cysteine residues in proteins, facilitating proper folding.

Quality control in the ER

Processes ensuring that only properly folded proteins are allowed to proceed.

Protein trafficking

The precise transport of proteins to different cellular destinations.

Constitutive secretion

A continuous and non-selective process by which proteins are secreted from the cell.

Regulated secretion

A process where proteins are only secreted in response to specific signals.

ER-associated degradation (ERAD)

The process by which misfolded proteins are identified and targeted for destruction.

Unfolded protein response (UPR)

A cellular stress response related to the ER that helps restore normal function.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency

A genetic condition caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene, leading to lung and liver disease.

Pharmacological chaperones

Small molecules that help stabilize proteins and promote proper folding.

Proteostasis regulators

Compounds that assist in maintaining proteostasis by modulating chaperones and degradation pathways.

Signal-anchor sequence

A sequence within a polypeptide that allows for the translocation and integration of the protein into the ER membrane.

Translocon

A protein complex that facilitates the translocation of newly synthesized proteins into the ER.

Vesicle transport

Mechanism by which proteins are enclosed in vesicles and transported within the cell.

Interior of the ER lumen

The inner space of the ER where protein folding and modifications occur.

Intercellular communication

The process through which cells send and receive signals, facilitated by secreted proteins.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder that results from misfolding of the CFTR protein, leading to severe respiratory symptoms.

Gene therapy

A treatment approach designed to correct defective genes responsible for disease development.

Disease pathogenesis due to protein misfolding

The process by which misfolded proteins lead to cellular stress and various diseases.

Therapeutic strategies for ER stress

Methods of treating conditions related to improper protein folding in the ER.

Calcium signaling

Cell communication mechanism regulated by calcium levels in the smooth ER.