Proteostasis

Proteostasis, short for protein homeostasis, is the integrated network that controls protein synthesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation to keep the proteome functional. Key players include ribosomes, molecular chaperones, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and autophagy-lysosome pathways. Maintaining proteostasis is essential for cellular function; its progressive failure with age underlies neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and is recognized as a hallmark of aging.