Breakthrough: Protein Combatting Aging & Disease

Scientists found a protein that might help treat illnesses linked to getting older. This protein helps remove broken parts of cells called organelles. Organelles do important work in cells and are crucial for their function. Among these organelles are mitochondria, which create energy in cells, and lysosomes, which maintain cell health.

Damage to these small parts of cells has been linked to getting older and many diseases. These include diseases that affect the brain, like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In a new research report shared in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from Japan’s Osaka University and other medical schools talk about a protein named hexokinase domain containing 1 (HKDC1). They found that this protein helps keep both mitochondria and lysosomes safe.

“Changing how HKDC1 works could stop cells from getting old, which is connected to ageing and diseases related to getting old,” said Shuhei Nakamura, a professor of biochemistry at Nara Medical University and one of the authors of the study, to Euronews Next.

When cells stop dividing, it’s called cellular senescence. This can prevent cells from becoming cancerous but adds to ageing. Some studies suggest that stopping senescence might slow down human ageing and age-related diseases.

The study also talks about how HKDC1 might affect lung and liver cancers. Nakamura explained that stopping cells from dividing can cause many age-related diseases, like brain diseases, heart problems, fibrosis, and frailty. Therefore, HKDC1’s job might affect these diseases by stopping cells from getting old.

Protein’s Organelle Protection Mechanism

Mitochondria make energy for cells. When they’re broken, they need to be taken away so the cell stays alive. Harvard scientists say that when damaged mitochondria pile up, it could lead to brain diseases. To get rid of damaged mitochondria, cells use a process called “mitophagy.” This process relies on two proteins called PINK1 and Parkin.

The scientists discovered that the protein HKDC1 and its connection with another protein called transcription factor EB (TFEB) are really important for getting rid of damaged mitochondria. They also learned that when they decreased HKDC1, it messed up lysosomal repair. “HKDC1 is found in the mitochondria, right? Well, it turns out this is also important for fixing lysosomes,” explained Nakamura.

“You see, lysosomes and mitochondria touch each other through proteins called VDACs. Specifically, HKDC1 interacts with the VDACs; this protein is crucial for the connection between mitochondria and lysosomes, and therefore, fixing lysosomes.” The researchers say that people didn’t understand how mitochondria and lysosomes were kept healthy before.

Read the Original Article National Library of Medicine

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