A View of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Through the Calreticulin Lens

Abstract

Calreticulin is well known as an ER-resident protein that serves as the major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ binding protein. This protein has been the major topic of discussion in an international workshop that has been meeting for a quarter of a century. In sharing information about this protein, the field also witnessed remarkable insights into the importance of the ER as an organelle and the role of ER Ca2+ in coordinating ER and cellular functions. Recent technological advances have helped to uncover the contributions of calreticulin in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in the ER and to unravel its involvement in a multitude of cellular processes as highlighted in this collection of articles. The continuing revelations of unexpected involvement of calreticulin and Ca2+ in many critical aspects of cellular function promises to further improve insights into the significance of this protein in the promotion of physiology as well as prevention of pathology.