Activation of the unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum by aberrant Ca²⁺ signals

Project A21 (Ernst) studies the the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is a key organelle of protein folding, lipid metabolism, and Ca²⁺ homeostasis. These functions are intrinsically connected to each other. Perturbation with any of these functions can cause ER-stress and followed by an activation

This project aims to identify the mechanism of UPR activation by aberrant Ca²⁺ signals and to establish the molecular rules underlying signal interaction by UPR transducers. Using sophisticated protocols for the immuno-isolation of organelles and state-of-the-art lipidomics, the lipid fingerprints of a stressed ER and of aberrant Ca²⁺ signals.