The impact of proteostasis in health and disease

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There are competing and integrated biological pathways within cells that control the biogenesis, folding, trafficking and degradation of proteins present within and outside the cell. The concept of proteostasis maintenance is central to understanding the cause of diseases associated with excessive protein misfolding and degradation leading to loss-of-function phenotypes, as well as aggregation-associated degenerative disorders. Cellular proteostasis is key to ensuring successful development, healthy aging, resistance to environmental stresses, and to minimize homeostasis perturbations by pathogens such as viruses. Mechanisms by which proteostasis is ensured include regulated protein translation, chaperone assisted protein folding and protein degradation pathways. Adjusting each of these mechanisms to the demand for proteins is essential to maintain all cellular functions relying on a correctly folded proteome. Recent research show that dysregulation of proteostasis impact a plethora of diseases and important nodes of regulation may provide therapeutic targets. It is therefore essential to explore the basic biology of proteostasis pathways as well as how they can be manipulated in disease states. We will invite the absolute world leaders in this exciting area from around the world, supplemented by Norwegian scientists, which will stimulate this important area in Norway and establish important international contacts and collaborations.