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Snapshot: implications for melatonin in endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis
Author(s) -
Hu Wei,
Ma Zhiqiang,
Di Shouyin,
Jiang Shuai,
Li Yue,
Fan Chongxi,
Yang Yang,
Wang Dongjin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/bph.13651
Subject(s) - melatonin , endoplasmic reticulum , homeostasis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , antioxidant , calcium metabolism , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry , calcium
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important intracellular membranous organelle. Previous studies have demonstrated that the ER is responsible for protein folding and trafficking, lipid synthesis and the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Interestingly, the morphology and structure of the ER were recently found to be important. Melatonin is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness in mammals, and it is well known that melatonin acts as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body. Notably, the existing evidence demonstrates that melatonin is involved in ER homeostasis, particularly in the morphology of the ER, indicating a potential protective role of melatonin. This review discusses the existing knowledge regarding the implications for the involvement of melatonin in ER homeostasis.