The evolutionarily conserved ESRE stress response network is activated by ROS and mitochondrial damage.

The ESRE pathway responds to mitochondrial damage by monitoring ROS levels. This response is conserved in humans. The ESRE pathway is activated earlier when other mitochondrial surveillance pathways are unavailable during mitochondrial crises, potentially to mitigate stress and restore health. However, the exact mechanisms of pathway activation and crosstalk remain to be elucidated. Ultimately, a better understanding of this network, and its role in the constellation of mitochondrial and cellular stress networks, will improve healthspan.