Title: “Chaperone-mediated mechanisms of cellular proteostasis”
Dr. Kevin A. Morano, Professor, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Abstract: A broad range of major diseases ranging from diabetes to neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s (AD), Parkinson’s (PD) and Huntington’s (HD) diseases have been linked to protein misfolding and aggregation. Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in the cytosol and nucleus is maintained by networks of factors that promote protein folding (molecular chaperones) or clearance of terminally misfolded substrates (ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), autophagy). Cells grow and proliferate under the constant threat of intrinsic and extrinsic proteotoxic stressors including reactive oxygen species (ROS), exogenous oxidants and reactive electrophiles. However, the interface between proteostasis and cellular reduction-oxidation (redox) buffering pathways, including the thioredoxin and glutathione systems, is not well understood. The long-term goal of my laboratory is a comprehensive understanding of the biological roles of cytoprotective chaperones, the machinery employed to maintain redox balance and the interplay between them. These studies employing tractable model systems will in turn guide future development of therapeutic interventions targeting ROS- and protein quality control-based disorders.
Monday, May 10, 2021 at 2:30 pm. Join by Zoom.
Hosted by Dr. Thibault Mayor