The Science behind our Research

The ageing chaperome in health and neurodegenerative diseases

Cellular proteostasis is maintained by the protein quality control (PQC) system, a network of chaperones that ensures correct protein folding and prevents aggregation. This system is essential for preserving cellular function and maintaining a healthy proteome.

With age, proteostasis becomes progressively compromised, leading to the accumulation of misfolded and damaged proteins. This decline contributes to cellular dysfunction and is closely linked to the development of diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.

We study how ageing affects the chaperome and the coordination of protein quality control across different cellular compartments. In particular, we aim to understand how these systems communicate and how their balance is maintained—or lost—over time.

Using high-throughput and data-driven approaches in yeast, we systematically identify the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related proteostasis decline. Our goal is to translate these insights into more complex systems and contribute to a better understanding of disease-relevant processes.