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La Jolla, CA – A new study from the Salk Institute has revealed a crucial protein that plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass during weight loss. This finding could have significant implications for individuals using GLP-1 medications, which often lead to unintended muscle loss alongside fat reduction.
GLP-1 drugs have become increasingly popular for weight management, but they can inadvertently cause a substantial decrease in muscle mass, impacting overall health and quality of life. The Salk researchers discovered that the protein BCL6 is critical for regulating muscle growth and maintenance.
How it Works:
- The Role of BCL6: BCL6 acts as a key regulator in a complex pathway involving growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which are essential for muscle growth.
- Impact of Fasting: Fasting reduces BCL6 levels in muscle cells, leading to decreased IGF1 production and ultimately, muscle loss.
- Potential Therapeutic Implications: By boosting BCL6 levels, researchers successfully reversed muscle loss in mice. This suggests that future therapies could be developed to counteract muscle loss associated with GLP-1 medications, aging, and various diseases.
“Muscle is crucial for our health,” says Ronald Evans, professor and director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at Salk. “This study provides valuable insights into how our bodies maintain muscle mass, paving the way for potential interventions to prevent muscle loss in diverse populations.”
Next Steps:
- The researchers plan to further investigate the long-term effects of fasting on BCL6 and muscle maintenance.
- They will also explore the circadian rhythms of BCL6 and its relationship with growth hormone.
This groundbreaking research offers hope for individuals seeking to achieve healthy weight loss while preserving valuable muscle mass.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for 1 any health concerns or before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment.
Source: Hui J. Wang et al, BCL6 coordinates muscle mass homeostasis with nutritional states, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2408896122
