Regulation of protein quality control pathways, protein homeostasis, and long-term health by gut microbes

The maintenance of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is intimately linked to long-term health in multiple species. However, the factors that regulate proteostasis with age are unclear. In C. elegans, pathways associated with growth and fecundity promote the failure of proteostasis during adulthood. We have recently discovered that in addition to these signals, gut microbe metabolism can also influence host protein quality control pathways and lifespan. However, the mechanism by which these effects are mediated is unknown. This project will combine molecular and systems biology in host and microbial cells to define a new relationship between gut microbiota, proteostasis, and long-term health.