Proteostasis: Difference between revisions

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'''Proteostasis''' refers to the regulation of the cellular concentration, synthesis, folding, transport, and breakdown of proteins. The term is a portmanteau of the words "protein" and "homeostasis". Proteostasis is crucial for cell function and survival.  
== Proteostasis ==
 
[[File:Stress_signaling.png|thumb|right|Diagram illustrating stress signaling pathways related to proteostasis.]]
 
'''Proteostasis''' refers to the regulation and maintenance of the cellular protein balance, ensuring that proteins are correctly folded, functional, and appropriately degraded when damaged or no longer needed. This process is crucial for cellular health and function, as well as for the prevention of diseases related to protein misfolding and aggregation.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


Proteostasis involves a complex network of biological pathways that control the biogenesis, folding, trafficking and degradation of proteins. This network is known as the [[proteostasis network]] and includes the [[protein synthesis]] machinery, the [[protein folding]] machinery, and the [[protein degradation]] machinery.  
Proteostasis involves a complex network of pathways and mechanisms that include the synthesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation of proteins. The [[proteostasis network]] is composed of molecular chaperones, the [[ubiquitin-proteasome system]], and the [[autophagy-lysosome pathway]]. These systems work together to maintain protein homeostasis within the cell.
 
=== Protein Folding ===
 
Protein folding is a critical aspect of proteostasis. Newly synthesized polypeptides must fold into their correct three-dimensional structures to become functional proteins. [[Molecular chaperones]] assist in this process by stabilizing unfolded or partially folded proteins, preventing aggregation, and facilitating correct folding.


The proteostasis network is regulated by a set of signaling pathways known as the [[unfolded protein response]] (UPR), the [[heat shock response]] (HSR), and the [[oxidative stress response]] (OSR). These pathways are activated in response to protein misfolding and aggregation, which can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease.
=== Protein Degradation ===


== Role in Disease ==
Proteins that are damaged, misfolded, or no longer needed are targeted for degradation. The [[ubiquitin-proteasome system]] tags proteins with ubiquitin molecules, marking them for destruction by the proteasome. Alternatively, the [[autophagy-lysosome pathway]] can degrade larger protein aggregates and damaged organelles.


Disruptions in proteostasis can lead to the accumulation of misfolded and aggregated proteins, which is a hallmark of many diseases, including [[Alzheimer's disease]], [[Parkinson's disease]], [[Huntington's disease]], and [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS).
== Stress Response ==


In these diseases, the proteostasis network is unable to cope with the increased demand for protein folding and degradation, leading to the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates. This suggests that enhancing the capacity of the proteostasis network could be a therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
Cells are constantly exposed to various stressors that can disrupt proteostasis, such as heat shock, oxidative stress, and toxic compounds. In response, cells activate stress signaling pathways to restore proteostasis. These pathways include the [[heat shock response]], the [[unfolded protein response]], and the [[oxidative stress response]].


== Therapeutic Strategies ==
=== Heat Shock Response ===


Several therapeutic strategies are being explored to enhance proteostasis, including the use of small molecules that can enhance the capacity of the proteostasis network, the use of gene therapy to increase the expression of proteostasis network components, and the use of protein replacement therapy to replace misfolded or aggregated proteins.
The heat shock response is triggered by elevated temperatures and other stressors that cause protein denaturation. It involves the upregulation of [[heat shock proteins]], which are a type of molecular chaperone that helps refold denatured proteins and prevent aggregation.


== See Also ==
=== Unfolded Protein Response ===


* [[Protein folding]]
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the [[endoplasmic reticulum]]. The UPR aims to restore normal function by enhancing the protein folding capacity, reducing protein synthesis, and promoting the degradation of misfolded proteins.
* [[Protein degradation]]
 
* [[Protein synthesis]]
=== Oxidative Stress Response ===
* [[Unfolded protein response]]
 
* [[Heat shock response]]
Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cell's ability to detoxify them. The oxidative stress response involves the activation of antioxidant pathways to neutralize ROS and repair oxidative damage.
* [[Oxidative stress response]]
 
== Implications in Disease ==


== References ==
Disruptions in proteostasis are implicated in a variety of diseases, particularly [[neurodegenerative diseases]] such as [[Alzheimer's disease]], [[Parkinson's disease]], and [[Huntington's disease]]. These conditions are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins and protein aggregates, which can lead to cellular dysfunction and death.


<references />
== Related Pages ==


[[Category:Cell biology]]
* [[Molecular chaperone]]
* [[Ubiquitin-proteasome system]]
* [[Autophagy]]
* [[Heat shock protein]]
* [[Unfolded protein response]]
* [[Oxidative stress]]
 
[[Category:Cellular processes]]
[[Category:Protein folding]]
[[Category:Protein folding]]
[[Category:Protein synthesis]]
[[Category:Stress responses]]
[[Category:Protein degradation]]
[[Category:Unfolded protein response]]
[[Category:Heat shock response]]
[[Category:Oxidative stress response]]
 
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Latest revision as of 10:59, 15 February 2025

Proteostasis[edit]

Diagram illustrating stress signaling pathways related to proteostasis.

Proteostasis refers to the regulation and maintenance of the cellular protein balance, ensuring that proteins are correctly folded, functional, and appropriately degraded when damaged or no longer needed. This process is crucial for cellular health and function, as well as for the prevention of diseases related to protein misfolding and aggregation.

Overview[edit]

Proteostasis involves a complex network of pathways and mechanisms that include the synthesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation of proteins. The proteostasis network is composed of molecular chaperones, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and the autophagy-lysosome pathway. These systems work together to maintain protein homeostasis within the cell.

Protein Folding[edit]

Protein folding is a critical aspect of proteostasis. Newly synthesized polypeptides must fold into their correct three-dimensional structures to become functional proteins. Molecular chaperones assist in this process by stabilizing unfolded or partially folded proteins, preventing aggregation, and facilitating correct folding.

Protein Degradation[edit]

Proteins that are damaged, misfolded, or no longer needed are targeted for degradation. The ubiquitin-proteasome system tags proteins with ubiquitin molecules, marking them for destruction by the proteasome. Alternatively, the autophagy-lysosome pathway can degrade larger protein aggregates and damaged organelles.

Stress Response[edit]

Cells are constantly exposed to various stressors that can disrupt proteostasis, such as heat shock, oxidative stress, and toxic compounds. In response, cells activate stress signaling pathways to restore proteostasis. These pathways include the heat shock response, the unfolded protein response, and the oxidative stress response.

Heat Shock Response[edit]

The heat shock response is triggered by elevated temperatures and other stressors that cause protein denaturation. It involves the upregulation of heat shock proteins, which are a type of molecular chaperone that helps refold denatured proteins and prevent aggregation.

Unfolded Protein Response[edit]

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. The UPR aims to restore normal function by enhancing the protein folding capacity, reducing protein synthesis, and promoting the degradation of misfolded proteins.

Oxidative Stress Response[edit]

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cell's ability to detoxify them. The oxidative stress response involves the activation of antioxidant pathways to neutralize ROS and repair oxidative damage.

Implications in Disease[edit]

Disruptions in proteostasis are implicated in a variety of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. These conditions are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins and protein aggregates, which can lead to cellular dysfunction and death.

Related Pages[edit]