As you probably know, our bodies are extremely complex. Every day, there are multiple processes working to help us live, breathe, work, eat, and more. But did you know that specific parts of our bodies even recycle cell proteins? This breaks down dysfunctional proteins, removes waste from the body, and protects our health. But while protein accumulation builds as someone ages, researchers weren’t sure what triggered this rapid and harmful accumulation.
In patients with neurodegenerative conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, protein aggregates accumulate in the brain to the point of neurotoxicity and cell death. But why do some brains accumulate enough of these to cause a problem, and others do not? Well, according to researchers, it may result from a complex called the proteasome. Find the full results in Molecular Systems Biology.
Proteasome Activity and Neurodegeneration
Researchers wanted to understand how and why age was associated with protein accumulation. First, they chose a subject: killifish, which only live up to 12 months in captivity. As a result of rapid aging, researchers felt killifish would offer the closest insight to human brains.
In promoting proteasome activity in the brain, or finding ways to balance protein ratios, researchers may take a step forward in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions.
Read the source article here.
