ERphagy

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a organelle located in the cytoplasm which facilitates transportation of nutrients and proteins within the cell. Autophagy is a biological process during which a cell breaks down old or damaged cells or cellular proteins. The ER can be damaged by excessive stress and strain. To protect cells from this damage, ERphagy, a specialized type of autophagy that facilitates the breakdown of damaged ER, occurs.