About this Research Topic
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an interconnected single membrane-bound network, is the largest organelle in the eukaryotic cells. The major function of ER includes the synthesis of proteins and lipids, membrane biogenesis, xenobiotic detoxification, and cellular Ca2+ storage. To complete these functions, it requires the efficient and fast exchange of materials between the ER and other organelles, including mitochondria. Mitochondria are complex double-membraned cellular organelles that harbor their own genome. Mitochondrion serves as a powerhouse and metabolic center for producing ATP via the oxidative phosphorylation system. The mitochondrion also serves as a powerful center for the precursors of macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids. Besides the well-known roles in cell metabolism and energy conversion, mitochondria have also participated in redox homeostasis, Ca2+ homeostasis, stress response, metabolite transport, cell signaling, cell cycle distribution, differentiation, cell death, embryonic development, and aging. In sum, proper functions of the mitochondria and ER are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. In addition to playing distinct cellular roles, there are physical interactions between ER and mitochondria at specific sites in which the surfaces of the two organelles juxtapose at a constant distance, for several nm in length. The unique contact sites serve as the platform for communication between the two organelles and are critical for the regulation of cellular homeostasis, including Ca2+ homeostasis, proteostasis, and ER redox homeostasis. The disturbance of cellular homeostasis might induce cell death, failure in embryonic development, or even disease. Therefore, regulating the ER and mitochondria is expected to maintain cellular homeostasis to prevent the occurrence of disease.
The aim of the current Research Topic welcomes Original Research and Review articles covering the latest and current research on the role of ER and mitochondria in cellular homeostasis. Articles regarding the genetic, cellular, molecular, biochemical, structural, and physiological mechanisms underlying Ca2+ homeostasis, proteostasis, and redox homeostasis involving ER and mitochondria are welcome. The research can be performed in physiological and pathological conditions, such as embryonic development, cancer, and aging.
Areas to be covered in the current Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
- Mechanisms of ER and mitochondria regulating cellular homeostasis;
- Applying pharmacological modulators of ER and mitochondria for homeostasis regulation;
- Contribution of modulating these two organelles to embryo and disease development;
- ER and mitochondria contacts in physiological and pathological conditions;
- Methods to assess the crosstalk between ER and mitochondria.
Keywords: endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, homeostasis, proteostasis, redox, differentiation, cell death, embryonic development, aging
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
