Discovery of Key Gene Influencing Liver Energy Storage

A recent study published in Science Advances has identified a significant gene that governs how the liver chooses to store energy, a process essential for maintaining health and managing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

The research, led by a team from the University of Pennsylvania, focuses on the PPP1R3B gene, which plays a pivotal role in determining whether the liver converts energy into glycogen, a form of sugar, or triglycerides, a type of fat.

Findings indicate that increased activity of the PPP1R3B gene results in the liver preferentially storing energy as glycogen. Conversely, when the gene is less active, there is a tendency for the liver to store more energy as fat. This balance between glycogen and fat storage is crucial, as it directly impacts the body's ability to manage blood sugar and lipid levels.

Previous large-scale genomic studies in humans have linked mutations in the PPP1R3B gene to various metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. However, the mechanisms by which this gene contributes to these conditions remained unclear until now.

The research highlights the role of PPP1R3B as a regulatory switch within the liver. It directs the organ on whether to store energy for immediate use as glycogen or for long-term storage as fat. Furthermore, the study demonstrated variations in how effectively cells and mice with genetic modifications of PPP1R3B utilized glucose or fat for energy.

This discovery opens new avenues for exploring precision nutrition strategies tailored to the genetic profiles of individuals, potentially offering innovative approaches for treating metabolic diseases.

The implications of this research are significant, as understanding the genetic factors influencing energy storage can lead to more personalized and effective interventions for those suffering from metabolic disorders.

For further information, refer to the study by Kate Townsend Creasy and colleagues titled Ppp1r3b is a metabolic switch that shifts hepatic energy storage from lipid to glycogen, published in Science Advances (2025).