The CHIP protein controls the insulin hormone receptor. By acting alone, it can more effectively control the turnover of this receptor which, in turn, controls the signs of aging in the body. According to the study, individual proteins have the potential to act as molecular switches for longevity.
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Learn more about the study
The research, conducted by the Cluster of Excellence for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) at the University of Cologne, Germany, was recently published in the journal Molecular Cell. These scientists are testing human cells and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
- What CHIP Protein Can Do
According to studies, when our cells are stressed, the CHIP protein usually appears as a homodimer (a combination of two identical proteins) and can destroy the defective protein. One detail is that the protein works together with accessory proteins to link the defective protein to the molecular chain of ubiquitin.
Whether the CHIP works alone or in pairs depends on the state of the battery. After CHIP successfully removes the defective proteins, the helper proteins can also be targeted for degradation. So this allows the CHIP to ubiquitously and function as a monomer again.
According to the researchers, this allows the CHIP to mark itself with ubiquitin, preventing the formation of paired versions. However, for the body to function smoothly, there must be a balance between the monomeric and dimeric states of proteins and their group form.
- Next phases for the study
In the next stage of these studies, the scientists seek to discover whether there are other types of proteins or receptors that, when bound to the CHIP protein monomer, are capable of regulating its function in the body.
In addition, researchers are also interested in finding out in which tissues and organs and in which diseases occur most CHIP monomers or dimers, so that more reliable therapies and treatments can be developed for these diseases in the future.