Dysmorphia and Dysregulation of the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Degenerative Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

The factors determining the complex architecture of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the tissue-specific variations of this architecture, and its relation to function have stimulated the curiosity of cell biologists for many decades. In recent times, previous mysteries of this intriguing organelle have been or are being unveiled at the molecular level. For instance, specific proteins that regulate ER architecture as well as its communication with other organelles via membrane contact sites have been identified. The machinery that mediates transport of cargo proteins from the cytosol to the ER lumen has been unraveled in remarkable molecular detail, and is a paradigm for the understanding of structure/function relationships of transport complexes in other organelles. The processes that occur in the ER lumen, including cargo protein folding, export, and quality control, and the response of the ER to overload or other insults have been—and continue to be—investigated, yielding ever more mechanistic insights. Importantly, it has become apparent that ER dysmorphia/dysfunction may be causal or concausal of numerous degenerative pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases and type II diabetes. This Special Issue will cover fundamental aspects of ER structure/function, and the consequences on cellular/organismal health when these are impaired. It is hoped that the Issue will provide a comprehensive view of the pathophysiology of this central organelle, and that it will be a useful resource for basic as well as translational cell biologists.

Prof. Nica Borgese
Dr. Francesca Navone
Guest Editors

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