Glial regulation of ER stress resistance

National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases

Investigators

Abstract

Our works stems from previously published work that astrocyte-like glial cells in C. elegans play an important role in regulating organismal stress resistance and longevity (Frakes et. al., 2020). More specifically, we found that constitutive activation of the transcription factor, xbp-1s, in four astrocyte-like glial cells was sufficient to prevent age-dependent loss of the unfolded protein response of the ER, increase ER stress resistance, decrease protein aggregation, and extend lifespan. Therefore, we aim to identify the signaling molecules used to by astrocytes communicate cellular stress to other cells and tissues. We are also exploring whether a similar signaling mechanism is conserved in mice.