Objective While it is has long been noted that genome stability is a central function required for survival of stem cells, the role of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) has not been explored. With the asymmetric divisions invoked by stem cells, the passage of damaged proteins to daughter cells can destroy the resulting lineage of cells and possibly accelerate the aging process. Furthermore, the possible retention of damaged proteins by the stem cell can result in diminished stem cell function and possibly premature aging. Therefore, a firm understanding of how stem cells maintain their proteostasis is of central importance. Because experiments with mammalian embryonic stem cells have clearly demonstrated their capacity to replicate continuously in the absence of senescence, we hypothesize that these cells could provide a novel paradigm to study the regulation of proteostasis and its demise in aging. We have recently described that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) exhibit high proteasome activity compared to their differentiated counterparts. This enhanced proteasome activity is necessary for hESC function. Furthermore, we have uncovered that PSMD11/rpn-6, a key proteasomal subunit, is required for this activity and its mode of regulation and conservation in the aging process of the invertebrate C. elegans. Moreover, ectopic expression of rpn-6 protects from the symptoms associated to Huntington’s disease. We hypothesize that, in addition to its regulation of the proteasome, hESCs must differentially regulate multiple subcellular stress response pathways designed to protect the hESC from disequilibrium in the synthesis, folding, and degradation of its proteome. In this work, we will: 1) define the mechanisms by which enhanced proteasome activity controls hESC function; and 2) determine how other proteostasis pathways impinges upon hESC function 3) with an eye to understand how this network can be adapted to alleviate age-related pathologies such as Huntington’s disease. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologyhomeostasis Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator UNIVERSITAT ZU KOLN EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address ALBERTUS MAGNUS PLATZ 50931 Koln Germany See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Silke Rohn (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
