Protein aggregation drives cell aging in a size-specific manner in <i>Escherichia coli</i>.

ABSTRACT: Aging, the decline in physiological function over time, is marked by the intracellular accumulation of damaged components. It can be attributed to trade-offs between organismal maintenance and the generation of high-quality offspring, where the parent retains damage upon reproduction and produces rejuvenated descendants. This occurs even in bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which asymmetrically partition aggregates of misfolded proteins upon division. However, there is conflicting evidence on the fitness impact of protein aggregates, ranging from detrimental effects to enhanced stress survival. Here, we show that the decisive factor driving growth decline in E. coli is not the presence of an aggregate, but the fraction of the intracellular space it occupies. By following si

SUBMITTER: Wagener L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802146 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature