Discovered: Multiple Kinds of Zombie Cells Exist Within the Human Body
It's about time we dive into the fascinating research conducted by the cool cats over at Johns Hopkins University. They've unearthed three unique subtypes of aging skin cells, often called "zombie cells" due to their refusal to die like normal ones. These subtypes differ in structure, function, and behavior.
Apparently, these zombie cells aren't just creepy; they're also lurking in our skin, causing inflammation and potentially leading to diseases like cancer. Up until now, everyone thought that all skin cells were similar, but it seems they can transform into one of three different states as they age.
The researchers analyzed skin samples from 50 healthy individuals ranging from 20 to 90 years old, focusing on fibroblasts (cells that build tissue scaffolding). By utilizing machine learning and fancy visualization tech, they scrutinized 87 physical features of each cell and sorted them into distinct groups.
Turns out, there are 11 different shapes and sizes of fibroblasts, but only three are associated with aging cells. One subtype, dubbed C10, is incredibly common in older individuals.
Future research will help scientists determine which of these subtypes are dangerous and which might even be helpful. This knowledge could pave the way for creating drugs that specifically eliminate harmful aging cells, minimizing any side effects.
Also, taking a closer look at cellular aging could revolutionize cancer treatment. Some modern therapies cause cancer cells to age, slowing tumor growth. However, these aging cells can lead to inflammation and strain the immune system. New treatment approaches could address this issue.
In case you didn't know, scientists have also discovered hidden mechanisms of rare genetic diseases in children.
Sources:
- Science Advances
- The Scientist
- Cell
- JAMA Dermatology
- The unique subtypes of aging skin cells discovered by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, often referred to as 'zombie cells', are characterized by their refusal to die like normal cells and their association with inflammation and potential medical-conditions like cancer.
- The scientists focused on fibroblasts, cells that build tissue scaffolding, in their study, using machine learning and visualization tech to scrutinize 87 physical features of each cell and sort them into distinct groups, revealing 11 different shapes and sizes of fibroblasts, but only three are associated with aging cells.
- One subtype, named C10, is extremely common in older individuals, and future research aims to determine which of these subtypes are dangerous and which might be helpful, potentially leading to the development of drugs that specifically eliminate harmful aging cells, minimizing any side effects.
- This research could also revolutionize cancer treatment, as addressing the issue of aging cells that can lead to inflammation and strain the immune system is crucial.
- Additionally, scientists have also discovered hidden mechanisms of rare genetic diseases in children through their studies on cellular aging.
