Proteostasis Aging

Proteostasis aging refers to the age-related decline in the cellular systems responsible for maintaining protein quality and balance. These systems include molecular chaperones, the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, and autophagy–lysosomal degradation. With advancing age, the efficiency of protein synthesis, folding, and clearance decreases, leading to accumulation of damaged or dysfunctional proteins. This loss of proteostasis disrupts cellular homeostasis and increases vulnerability to stress. Proteostasis failure is strongly associated with neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and systemic functional decline. Aging cells also show reduced adaptability to environmental and metabolic challenges due to weakened proteostasis networks. Maintaining proteostasis is critical for cellular survival and longevity, making it a core hallmark of aging and a major target for interventions aimed at extending healthspan.