Taking out the Protein Garbage Becomes More Difficult as Neurons Age

Newswise — Taking out the Protein Garbage Becomes More Difficult as Neurons Age

Penn study finds that as cells age, their ability to remove damaged proteins and structures declines, which could be a risk factor for neurodegenerative brain diseases

(PHILADELPHIA) – Cells dispose of harmful “trash” through autophagy, a normal and necessary process in which aggregated proteins and dysfunctional structures are handled. If any part of this fails, waste builds up inside cells, eventually killing them. According to a new study from the Perelman School of Medicineat the University of Pennsylvania, as cells age, their ability to shed harmful refuse declines. The…