PV-1 Gene Linked to Metabolic Health

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When calorie intake is reduced, the body naturally responds by slowing its metabolism as a survival mechanism called “starvation mode.” A recent research study at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) uncovered a key breakthrough in addressing one of the most frustrating challenges when trying to shed unintended weight gain — the dreaded metabolic plateau.

Scientists identified a gene called plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP or PV-1) that plays a critical role in regulating how the liver in mice handled energy during fasting. The Danish findings were published in Cell Metabolism and revealed that suppressing the PV-1 gene allowed the liver to continue to burn carbohydrates instead of transitioning to fat metabolism, even in a fasting state.

These findings could pave the way for innovative treatments that address the root cause of stubborn weight-loss plateaus. Furthermore, targeting PLVAP may boost the efficacy of revolutionary medications, which have transformed the science of losing weight but also has the potency to slow metabolic processing over time due to less daily food intake.

NOTE: The University of Southern Denmark’s PV-1 study on metabolism was initially published in the journal Cell Metabolism. The team of research scientists included Daniel Hansen, Jasmin Jensen, Christian Andersen, Peter Jakobsgaard, Jesper Havelund, Line Lauritsen, Samuel Mandacaru, Majken Siersbæk, Oliver Shackleton, Jonathan Brewer, Blagoy Blagoev, Nils Færgeman, and Kim Ravnskjær (all from SDU). Collaborators from Japan, the USA, and Finland. Danish scientists suggest that targeting the PLVAP gene could be key to overcoming common barriers by offering new hope for those with significant weight-loss goals.

How Cells Trigger Metabolic Changes

While exploring the role of the PLVAP gene in liver stellate cells of mice, Danish researchers uncovered a unique mechanism that influences how the liver in mice adjusted its energy sources during fasting. Traditionally, the liver shifts from burning sugar to metabolizing fat during periods of fasting, a critical process for energy management. However, when the PLVAP gene was deactivated in mice, this metabolic transition stalled.

Instead of reversing sugar metabolism and absorbing fatty acids, the liver continued burning carbohydrates and redirected fat stores to skeletal muscles without triggering any adverse effects in the mice. Beyond weight loss, the suppression of the PLVAP gene also shows promising effects on improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar, and bolstering a human's overall metabolic health by helping them avoid those dreaded weight-loss plateaus.

While further research is needed to translate these findings into human treatments, this study offers hope for addressing challenges like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic resistance. By targeting the PLVAP gene, researchers propose a potential method for maintaining a heightened metabolic state, allowing the liver to burn carbohydrates more effectively while treatments continue to regulate food intake.

Kickstart Your Journey for Weight Control

The latest weight loss medications, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels, have revolutionized the approach to obesity and long-term weight management. These medications mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, triggering fullness cues and stabilizing blood sugar levels. By slowing gastric emptying and helping the stomach feel fuller with less food, these receptor agonists effectively reduce cravings and between-meal snacking, enabling a calorie deficit that supports sustainable weight loss.

At Metabolic Research Center, what sets our medical weight loss programs apart is their ability to complement the individual’s lifestyle. Our team of experts can combine the latest clinical innovations with the personalized support and one-on-one coaching that we’ve used for over 35 years to address the molecular cause of weight gain. Unlike fad diets that don’t work, MRC's science-based solutions target the root causes of each individual’s unintended weight gain by providing a sustainable approach for healthy living.

We provide the resources and guidance needed to truly transform our clients’ lives. Visit us at the medical weight management clinic Fall River to see how our experienced team of professionals can help you achieve your goals for healthy living. All it takes is a quick email or phone call to learn more about MRC’s science-backed medical or non-prescriptive weight loss programs. However, don’t forget to schedule a free consultation today, as your first step toward restoring your metabolic health and wellbeing.