The UK’s proteostasis capability has been bolstered by the award of a BBSRC Network Grant. The grant will support the future development of the UK Proteostasis Network over the next three years.
Professor Ari Sadanandom from our Department of Biosciences is leading the plant-focused arm of the project. Through this, Ari will help shape the future of the network across different model systems from humans to plants.
Proteostasis involves the synthesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation of proteins - essential for cellular health.
Failures in these processes can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s. The number of genes encoding components of proteostasis is ten times larger in plants when compared to mammals.
The network aims to bring together experts from academia and industry working across different experimental systems. By fostering cross-model learning, it seeks to uncover new knowledge that could lead to novel therapeutics and strengthen food security.
Durham will lead the efforts to connect plant researchers to the wider network, ensuring a diversity of proteostasis research areas, roles, and sectors. Through this work we aim to cultivate connection, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the research and innovation ecosystem.
The BBSRC Network Grant will help establish a national, cohesive, and sustainable community at the forefront of international proteostasis research.
The network will work to integrate the UK’s existing proteostasis communities to enhance resilience and promote lifelong health.
This will involve initiatives to combine and unify research efforts to better understand how organisms respond to proteostasis challenges across disciplines and regions.
Network-building activities will include community-led workshops, providing pump-priming grants, lab exchange awards and summer studentships.
The funding will also enhance international visibility of proteostasis research and provide vital support for early career researchers.
Since its creation, the network has already connected 161 members, with a growing directory of research groups.
The project is being led by Babraham Institute, with co-leads at Durham, Queen’s University, Belfast and University of Bristol.
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