Abstract

Cellular stress responses are integral mechanisms by which cells adapt to various external and internal insults, such as oxidative stress, nutrient deprivation, and environmental changes. These responses allow cells to survive and maintain homeostasis, promoting physiological adaptation. Key stress pathways, including the heat shock response (HSR), unfolded protein response (UPR), and oxidative stress response, are activated to restore cellular balance. Disruption in these pathways can lead to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. The molecular players involved in stress responses, such as heat shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and transcription factors, help cells cope with stress and repair damaged proteins or organelles. Emerging evidence suggests that modulating stress response pathways could have therapeutic potential in disease prevention and treatment. This review focuses on the mechanisms of cellular stress responses and their role in maintaining cellular integrity, highlighting their importance in physiological adaptation and disease prevention.