Researchers from the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona and the University of Cambridge have published a study in Nature Communications demonstrating the use of the auxin-inducible degron (AID) system to precisely control protein levels in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. This innovative approach offers significant potential for advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and disease.
The AID system, originally evolved in plants, utilizes the hormone auxin to regulate proteins essential for growth and development. Its advantages include rapid and reversible degradation of proteins, facilitated by an easily deliverable small-molecule compound. This capability allows for quantitative control over protein abundance in vivo, a critical factor in studying complex biological systems.
“No protein acts alone. Our new approach lets us study how multiple proteins in different tissues cooperate to control how the body functions and ages,” explained Nicholas Stroustrup, PhD researcher at the Centre for Genomic Regulation. The ability to finely tune protein levels addresses a key limitation in current methodologies, enabling researchers to explore how subtle molecular changes influence systemic processes, particularly in aging.
The study’s findings could transform the landscape of biological research, allowing scientists to manipulate protein concentrations with precision akin to adjusting volume on a device. This level of control opens new avenues for inquiry into the interplay of proteins across various tissues, enhancing our understanding of physiological processes and potential therapeutic targets.
Get started today with Solo access →
