Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN
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The aggregation of disease-specific misfolded proteins resulting in endoplasmic reticulum stress is associated with early pathological events in many neurodegenerative diseases, and apoptotic signaling is initiated when the stress goes beyond the maximum threshold level of endoplasmic reticulum stress sensors. All eukaryotic cells respond to the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by signaling an adaptive pathway termed as unfolded protein response (UPR). ⋯ The UPR acts as a protective mechanism during endoplasmic reticulum stress, but persistent long-term stress triggers UPR-mediated apoptotic pathways ultimately leading to cell death. Here in this review, we will briefly summarize the molecular events of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated UPR signaling pathways and their potential therapeutic role in neurodegenerative diseases.