Protein homeostasis and aging: taking care of proteins from the cradle to the grave

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2009 Feb;64(2):167-70. doi: 10.1093/gerona/gln071. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Abstract

All cells count on precise mechanisms that regulate protein homeostasis to maintain a stable and functional proteome. Alterations in these fine-tuned mechanisms underlie the pathogenesis of severe human diseases including, among others, common neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. A progressive deterioration in the ability of cells to preserve the stability of their proteome occurs with age, even in the absence of disease, and it likely contributes to different aspects of "normal" aging. A group of experts in different aspects of the biology of aging met recently to discuss the implications of altered protein homeostasis in aging, the current gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for proteome maintenance, and future opportunities for discovery in this area. We summarize here some of the key topics and main outcomes of the discussions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Cellular Senescence / physiology
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Longevity / physiology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Protein Folding
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex