Cells have developed sophisticated mechanisms to cope with stress. Some of these mechanisms include:
- Unfolded Protein Response (UPR): Activated during ER stress to enhance the cell's ability to fold proteins correctly and degrade misfolded proteins. - Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms: Enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase help neutralize ROS. - Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs): These act as molecular chaperones to stabilize proteins and prevent aggregation. - Autophagy: The process by which cells degrade and recycle their own components, especially during nutrient deprivation.
