Einstein's Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging

Summary The Proteostasis of Aging Core (PAC) is a resource for investigators interested in the study of changes in proteostasis in aging and age-related disorders at the Einstein-Nathan Shock Center (E-NSC) and elsewhere by providing state-of-the-art methodology for the study of changes in components of the proteostasis network. The PAC has provided 917 services for 105 groups worldwide, contributed to 42 publications, generated data for 23 grant applications and catalyzed numerous collaborative projects. The Specific Aims of this Core are to: 1) perform comprehensive and highly specialized assays for the study of autophagy and other proteostasis components; 2) distribute validated reagents, samples and protocols for the study of proteostasis; 3) provide advice on experimental design, techniques, procedures and data interpretation for proteostasis analysis and for development of proteostasis targeting interventions; 4) develop and adapt state-of-the-art methodology for the study of proteostasis; 5) contribute to training of aging investigators in methods and procedures for the study of proteostasis, and 5) become a resource for information in proteostasis through integration with the NSC coordinating center and with information from other NSC cores. The activities of the Core are organized into four groups: 1) Service: comprehensive battery of assays to study protein turnover, activities of the different autophagic pathways and proteasome and lysosomal function in general. 2) Resources: provides validated reagents, samples and protocols for the study of proteostasis in aging. 3) Consultation and training: includes meetings with PAC experts for experimental planning, data interpretation and drug design, and hands-on training sessions with the technician. 4) Innovation: explores, tests and implements procedures for the study of protein homeostasis with emphasis on autophagic pathways. Personnel: 1) Director (Dr. Cuervo) supervises all activities of the Core, offers advice, assists with results interpretation and communicates with the Advisory Committee to establish prioritization/ workflow patterns. 2) Two experts provide advice on proteostasis, perform morphometric analysis and supervises implementation of new procedures and provide advice on drug design, experimental design of interventions and interpretation of results. 3) The PAC technician performs assays offered as a service, contributes to training and assures maintenance of equipment and stocks. Relevance: Unique services and continuous actualization of technology and resources offered by the Core allow for comprehensive quantitative analysis of changes in proteostasis in aging, age-related disorders and the of the effect of different interventions. Centralization of procedures and resources optimizes cost efficiency and guarantees standardization, validation and tight quality control.