New Pathway for Handling Stress Discovered

Researchers at the University of California San Diego studying how animals respond to infections have found a new pathway that may help in tolerating stressors that damage proteins.

Structure of heat shock factor based on. Image credit: Boghog2/Wikipedia (PD)

Naming the pathway the Intracellular Pathogen Response or 'IPR,' the scientists say it is a newly discovered way for animals to cope with certain types of stress and attacks, including heat shock.

Balance is key to many physiological functions and it is especially true in the production and regulation of proteins. A balance of proteins in cells helps maintain health, but an unhealthy clumping can lead to a variety of diseases, including those connected to aging such as Alzheimer's.

The researchers studied how roundworms (C. elegans) regulate expression of genes that are turned on by infection with microsporidia, which are natural intracellular pathogens of worms as well as humans.

The species of microsporidia we study only grows inside the intestine of the worm -- it can't grow outside. C. elegans has a transparent body plan, which facilitates watching microsporidia, how it grows and what it does to host cells. Most recently we've focused on how C. elegans turns on IPR genes in response to microsporidia and heat stress.

During the study, genetic screening revealed the identity of pals-22, a gene used by roundworms to regulate IPR pathway gene expression.

Roundworm mutants of pals-22 always have IPR genes on, which causes increased tolerance of heat shock and other types of stress. These IPR effects appear to be independent of previously described pathways.

The researchers say the discovery has implications for many diseases related to protein accumulation since comparable genes can often be linked in humans.

The IPR discovery is recent enough that the researchers still need more analysis to understand how it actually works. Initial ideas are that the IPR helps mark damaged proteins inside cells. (Tasnim News Agency)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Genetic study paves way for new neuropathic pain treatments

A pioneering international study has conducted an in-depth analysis of the molecular differences between the most common symptoms associated with neuropathic pain.

Epstein-Barr virus protein can “switch on” risk genes for autoimmune diseases

Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis, has been associated with subsequent development of systemic lupus erythematosus and other chronic autoimmune illnesses, but the mechanisms behind this association have been unclear.

Older biologic age linked to elevated breast cancer risk

Biologic age, a DNA-based estimate of a person’s age, is associated with future development of breast cancer.

Pollution is the World’s No. 1 Killer

Pollution is the world’s No. 1 killer, a new study says, causing more premature deaths than war, terrorism, natural disasters, cigarettes and disease.

Deep Sleep May Act as Fountain of Youth in Old Age

Researchers found that unmet sleep needs of the elderly elevate their risk of memory loss and a wide range of mental and physical disorders.

Scientists find new approach that shows promise for treating cystic fibrosis

Researchers say a widely-used antifungal drug may hold promise for treating people with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that causes serious damage to the lungs.