Unlocking the plant ER stress code: IRE1-proteasome signaling cohort takes the lead.

In the intricate landscape of cellular function, proper protein folding is pivotal for cellular processes, particularly within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In a recent study, Ko et al. reveal a signaling role for inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) in ER stress and identify PHOSPHATASE TYPE 2CA (PP2CA)-INTERACTING RING FINGER PROTEIN 1 (PIR1) as a crucial plant-specific regulator, balancing the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) by modulating ABI5 stability, unveiling intricate stress response connections.