Scientists have discovered a protein that can slow down the aging process by preventing the formation of zombie cells in the body.

As we age, some cells outlive their lifespan and instead accumulate in the body. These zombie cells increase the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, heart attack, and some types of cancer.

In a new study, researchers in Japan have identified a protein called HKDC1 that repairs damaged mitochondria (the energy center of cells) and lysosomes (which break down and clean up damaged parts of damaged cells). Important for repair. When mitochondria and lysosomes don't work as they should, cells don't function properly and become zombies.

According to the scientists, a healthy cell keeps aging at bay, which means drugs targeting HKDC1 could treat age-related diseases.

Until now, researchers did not fully understand the function of mitochondria and lysosomes. However, they knew that factor EB (TFEB) was involved in all of this.

Osaka University scientists found in the study that HKDC1 is important in helping to increase the amount of TFEB.

According to the researchers, low levels of HKDC1 may cause dysfunctional mitochondria and the accumulation of damaged lysosomes. However, the presence of adequate amounts of protein helps the mitochondria clean up waste and repair lysosomes from damage.