New pathway discovered for misfolded protein clearance
Misfolded protein is toxic for cells. These proteins disrupt normal functions, causing age-related degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The cells are constantly working to eliminate misfolded protein, but the clearance mechanisms of these proteins are still not well understood.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered, in a study published on April 20th, an unknown pathway to remove misfolded protein from the nucleus. The nucleus is the compartment of the cell where it stores, replicates and transcribes its DNA. It is crucial to maintain normal cellular functions that junk be kept away from these processes. The new pathway may be used as a target in age-related diseases.
Researchers in the lab of Judith Frydman (the Donald Kennedy Chair at the School of Humanities and Sciences) integrated genetic, imaging and biochemical approaches in order to better understand how yeast cells deal with misfolded protein. The team limited misfolded protein to the nucleus and cytoplasm, which is the area within the cell that’s outside the nucleus. Live-cell imaging and high-resolution microscopy allowed the team to track the misfolded protein’s fate.
Source:
https://phys.org/news/2023-04-pathway-misfolded-proteins.html
