Crosstalk between UPR and mitochondria: The Triad of ER-Mitochondria Contacts, Ca²⁺, and ROS.

Abstract

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is triggered by several cellular perturbations causing protein misfolding, and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), an initially adaptive signaling network that aims to restore ER and cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence indicates that UPR signaling extends beyond ER proteostasis, influencing mitochondrial function and bioenergetics through ER-mitochondria contact sites (ERMCs). The CHOP-ERO1A-IP3R axis has a primary role in recruiting mitochondria to adaptive UPR. However, its sustained activation renders UPR signaling maladaptive, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction through both outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (OMMP) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, ultimately contributing to irreversible cell injury and disease pathogenesis. Here, we examine the molecular mechanisms that govern adaptive and maladaptive UPR signaling and discuss how these ER-centered responses impinge on mitochondrial and cellular physiology. We analyze three major drivers of coupling mitochondrial function to UPR signaling: (i) enhanced ERMCs, (ii) IP3R-mediated Ca²⁺ transfer from the ER to mitochondria, and (iii) bidirectional ROS/H₂O₂ exchange between the two organelles. We also discuss unresolved questions in the field and technological advances, including approaches to investigate ERO1-dependent redox nanodomains, ERO1 inhibitors and engineered ERMC linkers, that are advancing our understanding of ER-mitochondria crosstalk and revealing potential therapeutic opportunities. These insights may inform precision medicine strategies for diseases driven by chronic ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.