METHODS AND MEANS FOR INCREASING RESISTANCE TO CELL DAMAGE

摘要

Methods are provided to increase resistance to cell damage in a subject. These methods comprise increasing protein turnover in the subject, the increase in protein turnover resulting in the increased resistance to cell damage of the subject. The increase in protein turnover in the subject is accomplished by decreasing activity of eEF2 kinase in the subject. The eEF2 kinase activity can be decreased by decreasing the amount of functional eEF2 kinase produced by the subject, including contacting the eEF2 kinase with a compound that inhibits phosphorylation of eEF2 or decreasing the amount of functional eEF2 kinase is decreased by reducing expression of a gene encoding the eEF2 kinase.