Endocrine Abstracts

A significant portion of intercellular communication depends on protein secretion and interpretation of extracellular signals by transmembrane receptors. Proteins of both classes fold into their functional state in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a process that is assisted by a dedicated machinery of ER-associated chaperones, enzymes and other components. The magnitude of this apparatus is matched to the load of unfolded proteins confronting the ER by a cell auton...

Abstract unavailable....

Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction is central to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Lipotoxicity, i.e. chronic exposure to elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), contributes to beta cell dysfunction and death in T2D.The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle where secreted proteins, such as insulin, are produced and folded. Demands placed on the beta cell ER vary greatly with glucose-stimulated insulin production. ER stress...

Abstract unavailable....