Peter Walter, PhD, told a “detective story” about protein folding to start off HudsonAlpha’s fall research seminars. Walter conducts research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics at the University of California
Walter’s mystery begins with the endoplasmic reticulum, which folds proteins into functionally active shapes as they are produced. The initial question is simple—how does the cell know how much endoplasmic reticulum it will need to meet demand? Walter says there are three pathways that help determine if a cell is functioning properly in regards to protein folding. If the cell detects it is overloaded by unfolded or misfolded proteins, these pathways allow for corrective action. If unsuccessful, the cell will enter programmed cell death, allowing properly balanced cells to take over.
Understanding the three pathways opens the door to treatment of a number of diseases. Abnormally folded proteins can make cells die off when they shouldn’t; some viruses hijack cellular machinery to make enormous quantities of proteins for their own benefit. Now that scientists have developed inhibitors and activators for all three of the pathways involved in the process, they can look for practical ways to treat a broad range of disorders, from cancer to traumatic brain injuries.
This seminar was hosted by Rick Myers, PhD.
More information on HudsonAlpha Research Seminars, including the upcoming schedule, can be found at hudsonalpha.org/seminars.