Characterization of Spatial Differences in Two Misfolded Proteins During Aggresome Formation

Cells have evolved an elaborate network of folding and degradation pathways to maintain the native state of proteins. If these pathways are disrupted (e.g., mutation) or their capacity is exceeded then protein aggregates form in cells. Cells sequester these aggregated proteins into aggresome or aggresome-like bodies as a protective mechanism. In this study, we co-expressed two model misfolded proteins in HEK293 cells and measured aggresome formation upon proteasomal inhibition. We observed spatial differences in early time points of aggresome formation upon co-expression of the misfolded proteins compared to individual expression in cells.