Proteasome deficiency is thought to contribute to the general decrease of protein integrity and functionality with age. Therefore, proteasomes are both victims and culprits of stochastic aging. To get insight into proteasomal aging processes, proteasomal activities and distributions will be analyzed in cells of different age, especially in neuronal cells.

This project is initiated by Profs. Drs. Peter-Michael Kloetzel and Burkhardt Dahlmann and granted by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 421). The work on neuronal cells will be performed by Dr. Dawa Bech-Otschir in cooperation with Dr. Cordula Enenkel.

Selective Publications

The ubiquitin-proteasome system at the crossroads of stress-response and ageing pathways: a handle for skin care? Ageing Res Rev 5, 60-90 (2006).

Proteasome dysfunction in mammalian aging: steps and factors involved.
Exp Gerontol 40, 931-8 (2005).

Central role of the proteasome in senescence and survival of human fibroblasts:
induction of a senescence-like phenotype upon its inhibition and resistance to stress
upon its activation. J Biol Chem 278, 28026-37 (2003).

Impairment of proteasome structure and function in aging. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 34, 1461-74 (2002).