Loss of nuclear proteostasis in senescence and aging
Homeostasis refers to an optimal condition constantly maintained by all living organisms. This physiology concept was adopted in molecular biology, including the study of protein homeostasis, or proteostasis. Proteostasis is maintained by multiple mechanisms, including synthesis and degradation of proteins. Loss of proteostasis is a hallmark of aging and is involved in neurodegeneration and many other diseases. Autophagy, literally meaning self-eating, is an important cellular degradation process. While most studies of autophagy focus on the cytoplasm, research from Dr. Dou’s group initiated a new direction to study autophagy degradation of nuclear components. This process is critical in maintaining nuclear proteostasis and in preventing aging and diseases. Dr. Dou and his team plan to investigate how nuclear proteostasis is regulated, with the goal to target it to promote healthy, productive aging.
