169: Protein Folding Errors Contribute to Aging and Disease
Mon Jan 05 2026
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Judith Frydman to explore proteostasis: the tightly regulated systems that ensure proteins are correctly folded, maintained, and cleared before they become toxic.
As these systems degrade with age, misfolded proteins accumulate, cellular signaling falters, and vulnerability to neurodegeneration increases.
The discussion centers on why protein folding begins during translation, how molecular chaperones like TRIC preserve cellular integrity, and why aging creates a self-reinforcing cycle of proteostatic failure.
We also examine upstream mechanisms—and what restoring proteostasis could mean for future longevity interventions, healthspan preservation, and disease prevention.
Watch the full episode to understand why protein folding may be one of the most underappreciated levers in aging biology.
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Judith Frydman to explore proteostasis: the tightly regulated systems that ensure proteins are correctly folded, maintained, and cleared before they become toxic. As these systems degrade with age, misfolded proteins accumulate, cellular signaling falters, and vulnerability to neurodegeneration increases. The discussion centers on why protein folding begins during translation, how molecular chaperones like TRIC preserve cellular integrity, and why aging creates a self-reinforcing cycle of proteostatic failure. We also examine upstream mechanisms—and what restoring proteostasis could mean for future longevity interventions, healthspan preservation, and disease prevention. Watch the full episode to understand why protein folding may be one of the most underappreciated levers in aging biology.