Oxidized protein degradation and repair in ageing and oxidative stress

Cellular ageing is characterized by the accumulation of oxidatively modified proteins which may be due to increased protein damage and/or decreased elimination of oxidized protein. Since the proteasome is in charge of protein turnover and removal of oxidized protein, its fate during ageing and upon oxidative stress has received special attention, and evidence has been provided for an age-related impairment of proteasome function. However, proteins when oxidized at the level of sulfur-containing amino acids can also be repaired. Therefore, the fate of the methionine sulfoxide reductase system during ageing has also been addressed as well as its role in protection against oxidative stress. (c) 2006 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.