New research from the Salk Institute has identified a protein, BCL6, as a key factor in preserving muscle mass while promoting fat loss. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study emphasizes the potential of BCL6-boosting therapies in mitigating muscle loss associated with weight loss treatments, aging, and illnesses such as cancer or sepsis.

The study highlights the role of BCL6 in regulating muscle growth and strength. In experiments, mice with reduced BCL6 levels exhibited significant muscle weakness and loss. However, increasing BCL6 successfully reversed these effects, suggesting its critical role in muscle maintenance.

Professor Ronald Evans, director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at Salk Institute, explains, "Muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body, and its maintenance is vital for overall health and quality of life. This study sheds light on how nutrition and energy levels impact muscle upkeep, paving the way for new therapeutic solutions."

Interestingly, fasting was found to influence BCL6 levels by triggering the secretion of growth hormone. Lower BCL6 levels resulted in diminished regulation of SOCS2, a protein involved in IGF1 production, leading to weaker and smaller muscles.

The findings propose that pairing GLP-1 weight loss drugs with BCL6-enhancing medications could counteract unwanted muscle loss, benefiting patients seeking weight management solutions or those at risk of muscle degeneration due to aging or illness.