Regulation of copper homeostasis by the ubiquitin proteasome system

Bichao Zhang’s research focuses on the trace element copper, which is critical for human health, helping cognitive function, boosting immunity and improving cardiovascular health. However, copper levels must be tightly controlled since too much or too little copper can cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Menkes or Wilson disease. During his PhD candidature under the supervision of Dr. Richard Burke, Mr. Zhang found that components of the ubiquitin proteasome system could regulate copper homeostasis and that in turn, copper could influence the activity of the proteasome. His results may eventually lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.