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Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 26, 2017
Unravelling protein aggregation as an ageing related process or a neuropathological response
Diogo Trigo1, André Nadais1, Odete A B da Cruz E Silva2
1Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Abstract:
Protein aggregation is normally associated with amyloidosis, namely motor neurone, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or prion diseases. However, recent results have unveiled a concept of gradual increase of protein aggregation associated with the ageing process, apparently not necessarily associated with pathological conditions. Given that protein aggregation is sufficient to activate stress-response and inflammation, impairing protein synthesis and quality control mechanisms, the former is assumed to negatively affect cellular metabolism and behaviour. In this review the state of the art in protein aggregation research is discussed, namely the relationship between pathology and proteostasis. The role of pathology and ageing in overriding protein quality-control mechanisms, and consequently, the effect of these faulty cellular processes on pathological and healthy ageing, are also addressed.
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