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Definition: What is proteostasis and how does it relate to aging?

As organisms age, there is a gradual decline in proteostasis, leading to an accumulation of misfolded or damaged proteins. This decline in proteostasis is believed to be a major contributor to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.

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Proteostasis is regulated by a complex network of cellular pathways, including chaperones, proteases, and autophagy. Chaperones are responsible for assisting in the folding of proteins, while proteases degrade misfolded or damaged proteins. Autophagy is a cellular process that involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components, including proteins.

When proteostasis is compromised, misfolded or damaged proteins can accumulate and form aggregates, which can disrupt cellular function and lead to the development of various age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

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Research has shown that maintaining proteostasis is crucial for promoting healthy aging. Strategies aimed at enhancing proteostasis, such as caloric restriction, exercise, and pharmacological interventions, have been shown to improve proteostasis and extend lifespan in various model organisms.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying proteostasis and its relationship to aging is an active area of research, with the potential to uncover new therapeutic targets for age-related diseases and interventions to promote healthy aging.

Keywords: proteostasis, proteins, cellular, process, misfolded, damaged, related, diseases, disease