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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Mapping Dysfunctional Protein-Protein Interactions in Disease
Published on: October 24, 2025
The protein-interaction network with functional roles in tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, and aging
1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), BMC, Uppsala University, Box 582, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden. jarmila.nahalkova@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The present review summarizes the knowledge about a protein-interaction network, which includes proteins with significant functions in the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases. All the detected interacting proteins TPPII, p53, MYBBP1A, CDK2 and SIRT7, SIRT6, and CD147 are suitable for the development of antitumor therapeutics and treatments for diseases of aging. TPPII and SIRT6 directly affect glucose metabolism which drive malignant growth. In addition, SIRT6 activators are attractive candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the protection effect of SIRT6 overexpression from DNA damage. TPPII activity exhibits a decreasing effect on mTOR signaling, and its requirement for the degradation of Aβ peptides in the human fibroblasts suggests that it has dual functions in tumorigenesis and AD-related pathology. Likewise, the direct promotion of the invasiveness of breast epithelial cells and the contribution to the Aβ degradation by stimulating the matrix metalloproteinases production suggest a double functional role for CD147. An association of the partial portion of cellular CD147 to γ-secretase further supports the functional relation to AD pathology. The animal and cellular models with downregulated or knockout TPPII, p53, SIRT6, SIRT7, and MYBBP1A expression levels illustrate similar functions of the interacting proteins. They demonstrate similar effects on the length of life span, premature aging, and lipid metabolism. The presented protein-interaction network is relevant to the discoveries of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, aging, and neurodegeneration.
Insights
This review details a protein network involved in aging and diseases. These proteins, including TPPII and SIRT6, show potential for developing new therapies against cancer and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging and age-related diseases involve complex molecular mechanisms.
- Protein-protein interactions play a crucial role in cellular functions and disease pathogenesis.
- Identifying key proteins in these networks can reveal therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known protein-interaction network relevant to aging and age-related diseases.
- To highlight proteins with potential as therapeutic targets for cancer and aging-related conditions.
- To explore the dual roles of specific proteins in tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of protein-interaction networks.
- Analysis of protein functions in aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease models.
- Examination of protein involvement in metabolic pathways and cellular damage.
Main Results:
- Identified key interacting proteins: TPPII, p53, MYBBP1A, CDK2, SIRT7, SIRT6, and CD147.
- TPPII and SIRT6 influence glucose metabolism and malignant growth; SIRT6 shows neuroprotective effects against DNA damage.
- CD147 and TPPII exhibit dual roles in tumorigenesis and Alzheimer's disease pathology through mechanisms like Aβ peptide degradation.
Conclusions:
- The identified protein-interaction network is critical for understanding tumorigenesis, aging, and neurodegeneration.
- Proteins like TPPII, SIRT6, and CD147 are promising candidates for developing novel therapeutics.
- Further research into these interactions can lead to advancements in treating age-related diseases and cancer.
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