Cellular processes of ageing

Ageing is a significant risk factor for dementia and related neurological conditions. As our cells age, there is a decline in several important functions, which can make certain cells in our body more susceptible to these conditions. The UK DRI's Cellular Processes of Ageing Thematic network focuses on two mechanisms which are affected by ageing – DNA repair and protein aggregation.  

Our DNA undergoes daily damage from the environment and DNA repair mechanisms are crucial to identify and correct this damage. If the DNA is not repaired properly, this can lead to changes and mutations in the DNA that can cause neurodegenerative conditions. Our ability to repair DNA is thought to decline as we age, contributing to a build-up of DNA damage. 

Ageing can also affect the balance and maintenance of proteins in our cells, leading to a build-up of proteins which are folded incorrectly. This is called protein aggregation and can cause damage to cells. As our cells age, they become worse at ensuring that proteins are folded correctly and removing protein aggregates. Protein aggregation and DNA damage are related processes; for example, DNA damage can lead to protein aggregation and aggregated proteins can affect DNA repair. 

The aim of the Cellular Processes of Ageing Thematic network is to bring together researchers across the UK DRI to answer major scientific questions to further understand and develop therapies targeting these mechanisms in ageing and age-related neurodegeneration. The network promotes collaboration between researchers with a vast range of expertise, from the use of state-of-the-art microscopes to visualise processes within individual cells, to complex genetic analysis and data science approaches.