The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
cellular condition where protein folding machinery becomes overwhelmed
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ER Stress) occurs when the endoplasmic reticulum, a cellular organelle responsible for protein folding and processing, becomes overwhelmed or dysfunctional. This can lead to the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins, triggering a cellular response known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to restore normal function. If unresolved, ER stress can contribute to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.