Lipid homeostasis is essential for a maximal ER stress response

Changes in lipid metabolism are associated with aging and age-related diseases, including proteopathies. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is uniquely a major hub for protein and lipid synthesis, making its function essential for both protein and lipid homeostasis. However, it is less clear how lipid metabolism and protein quality may impact each other. Here, we identitylet-767, a putative hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, as an essential gene for both lipid and ER protein homeostasis. Knockdown oflet-767reduces lipid stores, alters ER morphology in a lipid-dependent manner, and also blocks induction of the Unfolded Protein Response of the ER (UPR^ER). Interestingly, a global reduction in lipogenic pathways restores UPR^ERinduction in animals with reducedlet-767. Specifically, we find that supplementation of 3-oxoacyl, the predicted metabolite directly upstream oflet-767, is sufficient to block induction of the UPR^ER. This study highlights a novel interaction through which changes in lipid metabolism can alter a cell’s response to protein-induced stress.