Subarea 4: Cell Dynamics and Molecular Damages in Aging
The research focus of Subarea 4 is on studying damages of macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids) and determining the structure-function relationship of biomolecules relevant to damage and damage repair processes and responses to molecular damage that might lead to aging and aging-associated pathologies.
The studies are focused on the following research areas: DNA replication, DNA damage responses (DDR), stress responses, metabolic stresses, protein trafficking and protein damages.
The research is defined by four focus areas:
- DNA damage response in tissue homeostasis and neuropathies,
- Quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum for secretory pathway in aging processes,
- Intrinsic and extrinsic factors implicated in cellular decline during aging, and
- DNA replication and genomic integrity preventing premature aging and diseases.
Research focus of Subarea 4.
The accumulation of damaged macromolecules or subcellular organelles is associated with dysfunction of a cell, which contributes to tissue & organ failure. DNA damage, genomic instability, protein misfolding or defects in toxic protein degradation can compromise cell functionality. Alterations of mitochondrial DNA and protein complexes affect cellular metabolism, which will have a general impact on cell integrity.
Publications
(since 2016)
