The Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes that folds, modifies, and transports proteins in eukaryotic cells. It also manufactures lipids and interacts extensively with other organelles, playing essential roles in cell growth and homeostasis. Written and edited by experts in the field, this new collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology provides a comprehensive update on advances in our understanding of the structure and multiple functions of the ER. The contributors examine how proteins enter the ER, the biogenesis of membrane proteins, and the role of the ER in protein sorting and quality control. In addition, they discuss how lipids are synthesized and transported to and from the ER. The volume reviews the architecture of the ER and the ways in which it interacts with other organelles. The consequences for metabolic health and neurodegeneration are also considered. It is thus an essential reference for cell biologists, as well as physiologists and pathologists interested in understanding the role of the ER in disease.