How does ageing affect protein homeostasis and structure?

In this project, we propose to examine how the mechanisms that protect protein homeostasis are affected by ageing.

Besides the requirement that proteins are expressed in sufficient quantity, they must also be correctly folded in order to maintain healthy function.

Understanding the regulatory processes that maintain proteins - and how they can go wrong in ageing - will contribute to several BBSRC objectives, including delivery of an integrated understanding of health and fundamental understanding of the rules of life. The BBSRC is also keen to promote healthy ageing across the life course.

The project will develop bioinformatic methods to bridge the gap between whole-proteome studies that can concurrently quantify thousands of proteins, with structural-proteomics techniques that offer richer data but with narrower focus.

This will contribute to BBSRC objectives seeking transformative technologies, and specific targets for data-driven biology and systems approaches to the biosciences.