The ER-overload response: activation of NF-κB

Abstract

Various conditions that perturb the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were recently shown to activate the transcription factor NF-κB. Activation of NF-κB is caused by the accumulation of proteins in the ER membrane, a condition we have called ER overload. Both the release of Ca 2+ from the ER and the subsequent production of reactive oxygen intermediates are required for ER-overload-mediated NF-κB activation. This novel intracellular signal transduction pathway might be important in antiviral defense and play a role in various diseases as well as in B-cell development.