The endoplasmic reticulum（ER），a main organelle，which regulates protein synthesis，folding and degradation via the unfolded protein response（UPR）pathway. The adaptive UPR pathway predominantly maintains the ER function or ER proteosta? si through three intracellular signaling pathways. Long-term or severe ER stress induces the apoptotic UPR pathway to eliminate dysfunctional cells. Dysregulation of the UPR pathway often occurs in glomerular or tubulointerstitial cells under a pathogenic microen? vironment，such as ischemia，hypoxia，toxin，glucose，and abnormal lipid levels. A defective UPR is highly deleterious to renal cell function and is thereby implicated in the pathophysiology of various kidney diseases. Restoration of normal proteostasis holds promise in protecting the kidney from pathogenic injuries.