Researchers have discovered a protein that could open new ways to treat age-related diseases.
Protein helps to clean the bottom of the cell, which performs important tasks inside and is essential for its function.
Two of them, mitochondria and lysosomes, help cells produce energy and keep them healthy, respectively.
Degeneration of these organelles is associated with aging and many diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Cellular senescence is when cells stop dividing, which can prevent cancer but contributes to aging. Researchers say some studies show that anti-aging can help fight aging and age-related diseases.
This study also specifically stated that HKDC1 may be involved in lung and liver diseases.
“Cellular aging is implicated in a causal role in many age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, fibrosis and frailty,” said Nakamura.
Mitochondria are used to create energy for cells. Once it is damaged, it must be removed so that the cell can survive.
According to Harvard researchers, neurodegenerative diseases can occur when damaged mitochondria accumulate.
The destruction of damaged mitochondria occurs through a process called mitophagy and depends on the proteins PINK1 and Parkin.
Scientists have now discovered that the interaction between the HKDC1 protein and another protein called transcription factor EB (TFEB) is essential for destroying damaged mitochondria.
It was also found that HKDC1 depletion interfered with lysosome repair.
“HKDC1 is localized in the mitochondria, right? It’s also important for lysosome repair,” Nakamura said.
“You see, lysosomes and mitochondria communicate with each other through a protein called VDAC
The researchers say the role of mitochondria and lysosomes was not previously understood.
