A new method using cells for detoxifying the body has been developed by scientists, showing promise in combating cancer and dementia.

Autophagy, a crucial cellular recycling process, plays a vital role in maintaining cell health by breaking down unnecessary components into fundamental building blocks. A team of researchers has uncovered how the autophagy process is initiated. This knowledge has enabled them to develop a method that can manually trigger the cleanup of waste from our bodies, as reported by Technology Networks.

The research findings, published in the journal Nature Cell Biology and conducted by a group of scientists including Professor Claudin Kraft from the University of Freiburg and Dr. Florian Wilfling from the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics, indicate that manipulating this process may have significant implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases and enhancing cancer therapies.

The study revealed that the initiation of autophagy is dependent on weak molecular interactions between receptor molecules and cellular material designated for degradation. Unlike strong binding, which hinders the process, these weak interactions provide receptor mobility, leading to their random clustering. Once a critical concentration is reached, phase separation occurs, forming a liquid droplet that serves as a platform for further molecular assembly.

Dr. Wilfling likened this phenomenon to oil droplets in water, emphasizing its unique physical properties. To validate their findings, the researchers engineered yeast cells to degrade viral particles, which are typically resistant to autophagy. They modified the viral surfaces to promote weak receptor binding, successfully initiating the degradation process. Conversely, strong binding impeded this process, highlighting the delicate balance required for effective autophagy functioning.

These results open up possibilities for targeted intervention, enabling the breakdown of harmful aggregates associated with Alzheimer's disease and other conditions, the authors believe.

The scientific work has not only deepened researchers' understanding of autophagy but also laid an important foundation for developing therapeutic strategies to treat complex diseases affecting millions of people. By artificially controlling this process, they may be able to combat diseases characterized by protein misfolding or enhance cellular responses to treatments such as chemotherapy.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a physician.