Studies identify mechanism key to removal of protein aggregates from cells
(PHYSorg.com Biology)

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators have discovered the mechanism by which cells sense dysfunction of the proteasome-a cellular component that degrades unneeded or defective proteins-and respond in a previously undescribed manner, by editing the amino acid sequence of a key sensing protein. Proteasome dysfunction can lead to the type of buildup of aberrant proteins that characterizes neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer`s disease and is also seen in normal aging. The report is being published in the journal Cell.