[Zinc depletion and ER stress].

Zinc is required for the proper functions of proteins and cell signaling. Because the perturbation of zinc homeostasis causes various human diseases, cells need to regulate cellular zinc homeostasis strictly. However, the mechanisms by which cells respond to zinc deficiency and restore cellular homeostasis are largely unknown. Endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress signaling is the stress response activated by the accumulation of unfolded proteins in ER. Recently, the importance of ER stress signaling during zinc deficiency has been revealed. Here, we introduce the mechanistic insight of ER stress induction and its role in the maintenance of cell homeostasis or in the pathogenesis of various diseases during zinc deficiency.