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Specific protein homeostatic functions of small heat-shock proteins increase lifespan

Michel J Vos1, Serena Carra1, Bart Kanon1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Aging Cell
|December 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Cellular protein damage increases with age. This study identifies two small heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in Drosophila that combat protein aggregation and misfolding, extending lifespan.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Aging Research
  • Protein Homeostasis

Background:

  • Aging leads to accumulation of damaged proteins, impairing cellular function.
  • Protein quality control networks, especially heat-shock proteins (HSPs), mitigate protein damage.
  • Small HSPs play diverse roles in maintaining proteome integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the functional capacities of all Drosophila melanogaster small HSP family members.
  • To investigate their roles in refolding stress-denatured proteins and preventing aggregation of disease-associated proteins.
  • To assess the impact of small HSPs on lifespan in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of small heat-shock protein (HSP) family members in Drosophila melanogaster.
  • Assays to evaluate substrate refolding and prevention of protein aggregation.
  • In vivo studies involving overexpression of specific small HSPs in Drosophila.

Main Results:

  • CG14207 was identified as a novel small HSP that aids in HSP70-dependent refolding of denatured proteins.
  • HSP67BC demonstrated potent, HSP70-independent prevention of toxic protein aggregation.
  • Overexpression of CG14207 and HSP67BC in Drosophila resulted in a modest lifespan extension.

Conclusions:

  • Functionally distinct small HSPs contribute to cellular proteostasis.
  • Targeted enhancement of specific small HSPs can ameliorate protein aggregation and extend lifespan.
  • Small HSPs represent potential therapeutic targets for age-related proteinopathies.
Keywords:
Drosophila melanogasterHSPB familyaginglongevityprotein homeostasissmall heat-shock protein

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