Scientists Identify Liver 'Sensor' Protein Crucial for Adapting to Fasting and Feeding

Scientists have identified a key liver protein that functions as a "sensor," enabling the organ to adapt effectively between fasting and feeding periods. The research, involving Spanish institutions like IRB CatSud, Ciberdem, and URV, focuses on succinate, a molecule that not only provides energy but also signals through a receptor known as SUCNR1.

This receptor is particularly abundant in specific liver zones and its presence increases during development, suggesting a vital role in liver function. Experiments with mice lacking SUCNR1 revealed that their livers became overactive during fasting, producing more glucose than necessary. Furthermore, these mice struggled to adapt to post-meal metabolic changes.

The absence of SUCNR1 disrupts how liver cells utilize glucose for energy, forcing them to rely on alternative nutrients and hindering the complete restoration of cellular energy reserves. This impaired adaptation is a characteristic seen in the livers of patients with metabolic disorders.

Researchers highlight that this discovery opens promising avenues for therapeutic interventions. By understanding the precise role of this succinate sensor, new treatments could be developed to restore the liver's crucial adaptive capabilities in individuals suffering from metabolic diseases.