Scientists Discover a Molecular Switch That Controls Life Expectancy
Single proteins influence ageing signals better than groups.
Recent research shows that the protein CHIP controls the insulin receptor more effectively when functioning alone.
In cellular stress settings, CHIP emerges as a homodimer to eliminate misfolded and faulty proteins.
CHIP thus cleanses the cell
CHIP binds ubiquitin chains to misfolded proteins with assistance proteins.
The cell recognises and removes faulty proteins.
CHIP regulates insulin receptor signalling. CHIP binds and destroys the receptor, inhibiting life-extending gene activation.
Using human cells and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, researchers from the University of Cologne have shown
that CHIP can label itself with ubiquitin to prevent dimerization.
The research was undertaken by the University of Cologne's CECAD and published in Molecular Cell.