stress pathways

What Are the Key Stress Pathways in Toxicology?


Several stress pathways are particularly relevant in toxicology:
Oxidative Stress Pathway: This is triggered by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids. The Nrf2 pathway is central here, as it regulates the expression of genes involved in detoxification and antioxidant defense.
Heat Shock Response: Induced by elevated temperatures or other stressors, this pathway increases the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that assist in protein folding and protection.
Unfolded Protein Response (UPR): Activated by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the UPR aims to restore normal function by halting protein translation and activating signaling pathways that lead to increased production of molecular chaperones.
p53 Pathway: Often referred to as the "guardian of the genome," this pathway is activated in response to DNA damage. It can lead to cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, or apoptosis if the damage is irreparable.

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