Can Targeting ER Stress be a Therapeutic Strategy in Cancer?
Yes, targeting ER stress and the UPR offers a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer. Several approaches are being explored, including:
Inhibiting UPR Sensors: Drugs targeting PERK, IRE1, and ATF6 can disrupt the adaptive responses of cancer cells, leading to increased stress and apoptosis. Enhancing ER Stress: Compounds that exacerbate ER stress, such as proteasome inhibitors, can overwhelm the UPR, pushing cancer cells towards cell death. Modulating Chaperones: Inhibiting specific chaperones involved in protein folding can impair the ability of cancer cells to manage ER stress.
