Unfolded protein response is activated by single application of BMP-2

Tumor formation and progression is characterized by a proceeding degeneration of genetic material. As a consequence a growing number of proteins are misfolded and thus accumulate in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and induce the "unfolded protein response" (UPR). Activation of the UPR can cause elimination of cells through apoptosis or a restabilization and therefore cell survival. We could previously show that chronic and single application of BMP-2 alters distinct subsets of genes in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The group of apoptosis-related genes was predominantly regulated after short-term application of BMP-2. The protein kinase R (PKR) exhibited the most prominent BMP-2 dependent regulation.