cellular stress response to acid chemical

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a disturbance in cellular homeostasis caused by the chemical structure of the anion portion of a dissociated acid (rather than the acid acting as a proton donor). The acid chemical may be in gaseous, liquid or solid form. [GOC:aa, GOC:BHF, GOC:go_curators, GOC:rl, PMID:10615049, PMID:19170886, Wikipedia:Acid]

Cellular stress response to acid chemicals involves a complex interplay of signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that aim to maintain cellular homeostasis and protect against damaging effects. When cells encounter acidic conditions, they activate a cascade of events that involve:

1. **Sensing the acidic environment:** Cells possess various mechanisms to detect pH changes, including ion channels and proton-sensitive receptors. These sensors trigger downstream signaling pathways.

2. **Activation of stress response pathways:** Acidification triggers the activation of several critical signaling pathways, including:

* **The MAPK pathway:** Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated by various stimuli, including acid stress. Activated MAPKs initiate downstream signaling cascades that lead to gene expression changes, protein synthesis, and cell cycle regulation.

* **The PI3K/AKT pathway:** Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT are key regulators of cell survival and growth. Acidification can activate PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting survival and mitigating the damaging effects of acid stress.

* **The NF-κB pathway:** Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) plays a critical role in inflammation and immune responses. Acidification can activate NF-κB, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other signaling molecules.

3. **Adaptive mechanisms:** To cope with acid stress, cells employ a range of adaptive mechanisms, including:

* **Ion transport:** Cells can regulate the intracellular pH by transporting protons across the membrane using various ion pumps and exchangers.

* **Protein modification:** Acidification can induce changes in protein conformation and activity, leading to the activation of specific stress-responsive proteins.

* **Gene expression changes:** Acid stress can trigger the transcription of genes involved in stress response, repair mechanisms, and cell survival.

4. **Cellular damage and consequences:** If the acid stress is severe or prolonged, it can lead to cellular damage, including:

* **DNA damage:** Acidification can damage DNA, potentially leading to mutations and cell death.

* **Protein denaturation:** Acidic conditions can denature proteins, affecting their function and integrity.

* **Membrane disruption:** Acidification can disrupt the integrity of cell membranes, affecting cellular permeability and function.

* **Apoptosis or necrosis:** Depending on the severity of the stress, cells may undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) or necrosis, resulting in cell death and tissue damage.

5. **Consequences for the organism:** Acid stress can have significant consequences for the organism as a whole. Acidification in specific tissues can lead to various pathological conditions, including:

* **Inflammation and tissue damage:** Acidification can trigger inflammation and tissue damage, contributing to the development of various diseases.

* **Organ dysfunction:** Acid stress in specific organs can impair their function, leading to organ dysfunction and disease.

* **Systemic acid-base imbalance:** Acidification can disrupt the acid-base balance in the body, leading to systemic acidosis, a condition that can have various physiological consequences.

Overall, the cellular stress response to acid chemicals is a complex and intricate process involving various signaling pathways, adaptive mechanisms, and potential consequences for cellular function and organismal health.'
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