IRE1 and efferent signaling from the endoplasmic reticulum

Genetic analysis of the cellular adaptation to malfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (the unfolded protein response - UPR) has revealed a novel signaling pathway initiated by activation of IRE1, an ER-resident protein kinase and endonuclease. In yeast, Ire1p activates gene expression by promoting a non-conventional splicing event that converts the mRNA encoding the Hac1p transcription factor from an inefficiently translated inactive mRNA to an actively translated one. Hac1p binds to the promoters of genes encoding chaperones and other targets of the UPR and activates them. Recently, mammalian IRE1 homologues have been identified and their response to ER stress is regulated by binding to the ER chaperone BiP. The mechanisms by which mammalian IRE1 activates gene expression have not been completely characterized and mammalian HAC1 homologues have not been identified. Surprisingly, mammalian IRE1s are able to activate both JUN N-terminal kinases and an alternative ER-stress signaling pathway mediated by the transcription factor ATF6. This indicates that the mammalian UPR is more complex than that found in yeast.