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Elke Deuerling elected as Leopoldina member

Elke Deuerling, a molecular biologist at the University of Konstanz, has been elected as a member of the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Her work on proteostasis, the regulation of cellular protein levels, has significantly contributed to the understanding of protein protection in delicate formation phases.

How plants regulate their protein balance

A specific protein complex regulates protein balance in plants, influencing their response to environmental stress. Researchers discovered that this process, known as N-terminal acetylation, maintains the stability of the plant proteome by controlling protein degradation and recycling.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2026

Disrupting malaria’s inner balance: Targeting parasite’s protein control system could be key to innovative treatments

Researchers discovered a potential vulnerability in P. falciparum by inducing protein aggregation, leading to reduced parasite growth. The study may lead to novel antimalarial strategies targeting the parasite's internal protein folding machinery.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

Unlocking proteostasis: A new frontier in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered a nucleolar complex that plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular health through protein homeostasis, allowing for the dramatic reduction of toxic effects of Alzheimer's-causing proteins. This breakthrough offers hope for new therapies to slow or prevent neurodegenerative diseases, promoting healthy aging.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2025

Don’t mess with meiosis: Study suggests how reproductive health influences overall health and aging

A study in C. elegans suggests that disrupting meiosis in reproductive cells accelerates aging and triggers a decline in healthspan, similar to humans. The research highlights the importance of reproductive fitness for overall health, with potential applications for early detection and treatment of age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022

Flawed quality control in the brain

Scientists developed a new mouse line to study protein balance and quality control in the mammalian brain. The research revealed that different neurodegenerative diseases have distinct protein misfolding patterns, offering insights into potential therapeutic options.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 19, 2021

A bad egg does good for its mother

Researchers at Northwestern University found that a damaged fertilized egg sends a molecular signal to the mother that protects her from cellular stress and environmental damage. This allows the mother to live longer and produce healthier eggs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 8, 2020

Even when you're older you need chaperones

Researchers found that the quality of protective molecular chaperones declines dramatically with age, accelerating decline in those with neurodegenerative diseases. A subnetwork of 28 critical genes provides a basis for biomarkers and new therapeutics to prevent protein damage and cell dysfunction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 3, 2014