We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Relieving Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress May Prevent Some Types of Chronic Disease

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Jul 2015
Print article
Image: Photomicrograph shows dying insulin-secreting cells (red) from a diabetic mouse pancreas. A cell-death cascade was set off by a process that occurs when harmful molecules spill from one part of the cell into other areas where they do not belong (Photo courtesy of Dr. Fumihiko Urano, Washington University School of Medicine).
Image: Photomicrograph shows dying insulin-secreting cells (red) from a diabetic mouse pancreas. A cell-death cascade was set off by a process that occurs when harmful molecules spill from one part of the cell into other areas where they do not belong (Photo courtesy of Dr. Fumihiko Urano, Washington University School of Medicine).
A team of cell biologists has identified an enzyme that protects cells against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and prevents the apoptosis that characterizes such chronic diseases as Wolfram syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Among its many activities, the endoplasmic reticulum folds and modifies newly formed proteins so they have the correct three-dimensional shape to function properly. The ER also helps transport proteins, fats, and other materials to specific sites within the cell or to the cell surface. When placed under certain types of stress, the ER can leak molecules into other parts of the cell, which can trigger the apoptotic pathway that leads to cell death and eventually to organ dysfunction.

Investigators at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO, USA) reported in the June 23, 2015, on line edition of the journal Science Signaling that they had identified a mechanism by which the enzyme IRE1 conferred protection against ER stress-mediated cell death. In humans, IRE1 is called "ER to nucleus signaling 1 protein." This protein possesses intrinsic kinase activity and an endoribonuclease activity, and it is important in altering gene expression as a response to ER-based stress signals.

The investigators found that IRE1 signaling prevented ER membrane permeabilization mediated by the proteins Bax and Bak and cell death in cells experiencing ER stress. In response to ER stress, cells deficient in IRE1 were found to be susceptible to leakage of ER contents, which was associated with the accumulation of calcium in mitochondria, oxidative stress in the cytosol, and ultimately cell death.

Senior author Dr. Fumihiko Urano, professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, said, "We believe the enzyme we identified may provide us with a target to protect many types of cells from a death cascade that leads to those different, seemingly unrelated disorders. It is clear from our experiments that this enzyme can keep the membrane in the cell from becoming permeable and leaking. We think it may be possible to prevent Wolfram syndrome and other diseases related to this type of cellular stress by targeting the enzyme to make the membrane stronger."

Related Links:

Washington University School of Medicine


New
Gold Member
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Assay
TSH EIA 96 Test
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Laboratory Electric Thermostat
DNP-9025A
New
Incubator
HettCube 120

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New RNA Molecules Can Help Predict Bowel Cancer Return Recurrence

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and was ranked as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in 2022. Currently, clinicians face diagnostic... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.