Cynthia Lebeaupin, Deborah Vallee, Philippe Gual and Beatrice Bailly-Maitre
As the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common form of chronic liver disease. Nevertheless, knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of NAFLD is still limited. Recent findings have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress links inflammation and liver cell death, which is inherent in the transition from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here, we emphasize the central role of the ER stress response and its interaction with the inflammasome. We hope to provide new insights into the identification of ER stress-dependent signaling pathways that, as important triggers of cell death and inflammation, contribute significantly to the development of chronic liver disease and may therefore represent potential therapeutic strategies.