Alec Whited, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington (’25 MS, Biology), is making waves in the scientific community with his groundbreaking research on cellular waste removal. His study, which could pave the way for new treatments for autoimmune diseases and improved wound healing, was conducted in the Ghose Lab at UTA. Whited’s findings, coauthored with Aladin Elkhalil, a fourth-year doctoral student, have been published in Genetics, a leading journal in the field.
“Similar to taking your garbage out on trash day, living things must also get rid of their unwanted waste, whether it’s digested food or dead cells that have fulfilled their purpose,” Whited explained. Now a research assistant at UT Southwestern, he emphasized the importance of understanding the cellular pathways involved in clearing dying cells, a process crucial for maintaining organism health. “When this process is interrupted or does not work, it can cause major issues for the organism,” he added.
Understanding Cellular Waste Removal
The discovery of a previously unknown cellular pathway by Whited and his team marks a significant advancement in the field of biology. This pathway enhances the ability of organisms to remove dying cells, a critical function that, if impaired, can lead to severe health issues, including chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
“Inflammation can be caused by many factors, and one of them is the failure to clear dead cells properly,” Whited noted. “If these dead cells aren’t cleared out efficiently, the body may mistakenly interpret these molecules as threats and launch an immune response.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching, offering potential breakthroughs in understanding and treating conditions characterized by chronic inflammation. By identifying the genetic mechanisms involved, scientists can develop targeted therapies to mitigate these responses.
Implications for Wound Healing
Beyond autoimmune diseases, Whited’s research holds promise for advancing wound healing techniques. One of the genes studied has been linked to cell-to-cell fusion, a vital process in tissue repair and wound closure. By delving deeper into these genetic mechanisms, researchers hope to uncover additional genes that could enhance wound healing, potentially leading to faster recovery times and improved treatment for chronic wounds.
“This could have implications in advancing our knowledge of how we can accelerate wound healing or treat chronic wounds, though much more research is needed to fully understand how,” Whited remarked.
Aspiring Scientists and the UTA Experience
Reflecting on his time at UTA, Whited expressed gratitude for the supportive and collaborative environment fostered by the Department of Biology. He emphasized the department’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and the sense of community among faculty and students.
“There’s a collaborative spirit that drives everyone to push the boundaries of what we know,” Whited said. “This mindset fosters not only academic growth but also a sense of belonging in the broader scientific community.”
Whited’s work was supported by The Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas and the National Institutes of Health–National Institute of General Medical Sciences, highlighting the importance of funding in advancing scientific research.
About The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington, celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, is a prominent public research university located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body exceeding 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System. It offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, placing it among the top 5% of research institutions nationwide. UTA’s economic impact on the state is substantial, generating $28.8 billion annually.
The university’s commitment to innovation and economic prosperity has earned it recognition from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, underscoring its role as a key driver of economic growth and student success.
