Scientists have discovered a protein that can stop the formation of “zombie cells” and slow down the aging process.
As we age, some cells live longer than they should and instead of being eliminated, they remain in the body, leading to a build-up of cellular waste.
These so-called zombie cells increase the risk of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure and some cancers.
Now researchers in Japan have found that a protein called HKDC1 is essential for vacuuming up damaged mitochondria – the powerhouses of cells – and repairing lysosomes, which are needed to break down and clean up worn-out cell parts.
As we age, some cells live longer than necessary and stay in the body instead of being eliminated, leading to a build-up of cellular waste.
When mitochondria and lysosomes do not function as they should, cells do not function as they should and become zombies.
A “neat cell appears to keep aging at bay,” which the scientists say means drugs targeting HKDC1 could treat age-related diseases.
Until now, researchers have not fully understood how mitochondria and lysosomes are regulated.
However, they knew that a protein called transcription factor EB (TFEB) was involved.
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This is what scientists from Osaka University found out HKDC1 is crucial for increasing TFEB levels, controlling levels of these two organelles and “preventing cellular senescence” – when cells live longer than they should.
In an article in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that low levels of HKDC1 led to “Mitochondrial dysfunction” and “accumulation of damaged lysosomes”.
At a sufficient level By preventing cells from hanging around too long, the protein “effectively helps remove mitochondrial waste” and “helps lysosomes recover from damage.”
Lead author Shuhei Nakamura, assistant professor in the Department of Genetics, said: “Lysosomes and mitochondria contact each other through proteins called VDACs.”
“Specifically, HKDC1 is responsible for interacting with the VDCACs.” “This protein is essential for the contact between the mitochondria and the lysosome and therefore for lysosomal repair.”
The researchers now hope that the findings could pave the way for new treatments to combat age-related diseases.
Drugs that increase HKDC1 levels may therefore promote cell health and the aging process, the study suggests.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
