Molecular biologist Judith Frydman studies the nuances of protein folding and how defects in the process lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Her team studies protein folding in human cells and in model organisms, like yeast and worms, to understand the molecular events that precipitate harmful protein defects in humans. In one example, Frydman’s team explored how aging affects the creation and the quality of proteins in the brain, leading to cognitive problems. She is now looking to develop therapies – someday perhaps leading to cures – to debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and others. The power of science gives her true hope in these important pursuits, Frydman tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Judith Frydman, a professor of biology and genetics at Stanford University.
(00:04:00) Linking Protein Folding to Aging
How aging disrupts protein-folding machinery across many organisms.
(00:07:16) Universal Aging Patterns
The similar age-related protein-folding defects found across organisms
(00:09:27) Studying Killifish Ageing
Research on the African killifish as a rapid-aging model organism.
(00:13:05) Ribosome Function Declines
How aging causes ribosomes to stall and collide, creating faulty proteins.
(00:15:31) Aging Across Species
The potential factors causing alternate aging rates in different species.
(20:11) What Fails Inside Aging Cells
The cellular components that are leading to bad protein creation.
(00:24:04) Therapeutic Approaches
Potential interventions to combat cellular and neurological degeneration.
(00:25:12) Gene vs. Small-Molecule Treatments
How some interventions may be better suited for certain diseases.
(00:27:47) Ribosome Drug Potential
Why ribosomes and translation factors are viable drug targets.
(00:28:56) Next Steps in Aging Research
Using human skin fibroblasts to study human aging mechanisms.
(00:31:46) Future In a Minute
Rapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, young researchers, and archeology.
(00:33:54) Conclusion
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