The RTG 2155 is a DFG-funded graduate programme which is focusing on posttranslational modifications (PTM) of cellular proteins as key players in age progression. PTMs such as acetylation, glycosylation, glycation or oxidation regulate protein activities, thereby controlling shape and function of cells. Due to alterations of modifying enzymes or an altered cellular environment in aged organisms, PTM patterns may change and, as a consequence, dysregulation of cellular processes may occur. A better understanding of how PTMs contribute to the impairment of organ function with increasing age will help to devise therapies aimed at improving the health state of the elderly.
Within the RTG 2155, scientists from the universities of Halle and Jena as well as from the FLI Jena combine their expertise from various fields of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedicine and “omics”-based technologies to characterise PTM-mediated mechanisms of functional decline during ageing. The scientific programme constitutes an excellent background to qualify young scientists for a future career in interdisciplinary ageing research from basic chemistry to medicine. In addition, an innovative qualification programme including state-of-the-art methodological platforms and high-quality training in theoretical and practical aspects of ageing research with a focus on PTMs is provided. The RTG 2155 ProMoAge represents a structured training programme for ageing research and is aimed at accelerating scientific progress and opening new translational approaches in this field.