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Definition: What is protein homeostasis?

Protein homeostasis is crucial for cellular and organismal health, as imbalances in protein levels or the presence of misfolded proteins can lead to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and metabolic disorders.

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The cellular machinery responsible for protein homeostasis includes chaperones, which assist in protein folding, and proteases, which degrade misfolded or damaged proteins. Additionally, the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy pathways play essential roles in protein degradation and recycling.

Disruptions in protein homeostasis can occur due to genetic mutations, environmental stressors, aging, or other factors. To maintain protein homeostasis, cells have evolved intricate quality control mechanisms, such as the unfolded protein response (UPR) and heat shock response (HSR), which help to restore proteostasis under stress conditions.

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Understanding protein homeostasis is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to combat protein misfolding diseases and age-related disorders. Researchers are actively studying the molecular mechanisms underlying protein homeostasis and exploring potential interventions to restore proteostasis and promote healthy aging.

Keywords: protein, homeostasis, proteostasis, misfolded, proteins, disorders, folding, degradation, damaged