The body is constantly creating new cells and removing old and damaged ones. Clearing out cellular debris is essential. When these processes are disrupted, a person ages faster and is at higher risk for developing chronic diseases. In a new study, a team from the University of Texas at Arlington worked with C. elegans worm models and showed that there is a previously unknown process for clearing out dead cells.
The scientists initially looked at genes associated with the stress response, many of which have counterparts in the human body. Then, using gene editing technology called CRISPR, they were able to track down the specific stress response pathway that is activated to help remove the cells.
The key regulator of the process turned out to be the lyst gene, associated with the rare Chediak-Higashi syndrome, in which the body's process of clearing cellular waste is disrupted, which ultimately leads to problems with the immune system.
First of all, scientists were very surprised by the involvement of stress response genes in this process. The reason for their involvement remains to be determined. The main conclusion, of course, was the discovery of a new strategy for combating aging by targeting new mechanisms. Further research should show the effectiveness of this approach for the treatment of various age-related chronic diseases.
Recently, other scientists have found that 64 genes are involved in brain aging. The discovery also suggests new targets for targeted and more effective drugs.