The body constantly creates new cells and removes old and damaged ones. Clearing out cellular debris is crucial. If these processes are disrupted, a person ages faster and is at increased risk of developing chronic diseases. In a new study, a team from the University of Texas at Arlington used C. elegans worm models and demonstrated a previously unknown process for clearing out dead cells.
Initially, the scientists studied genes associated with the stress response, many of which have analogs in the human body. Then, using CRISPR gene editing technology, they were able to track down the specific stress response pathway that is activated to facilitate cell removal.
The key regulator of the process turned out to be the lyst gene, associated with the rare Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, in which the body's process of clearing cellular waste is disrupted, which ultimately leads to problems with the immune system.
First and foremost, the 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 demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for treating various age-related chronic diseases.
Recently, other scientists discovered that brain aging is influenced by 64 genes. This discovery also suggests new targets for the development of targeted and more effective drugs.
