Mammalian hibernation biology ~ survival strategies via hypometabolism and hypotherm ia

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Mammalian hibernation biology ~ survival strategies via hypometabolism and hypothermia
• Project/Area Number: 20H05765
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Transformative Research Areas, Section (III)
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Yamaguchi Yoshifumi 北海道大学, 低温科学研究所, 教授 (10447443)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-10-02 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 冬眠 / 哺乳類

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The goal of this transformative research area (B), "Hibernation and Dormancy Biology," is to elucidate the molecular networks responsible for hibernation and torpor, one of major challenges in mammalian physiology, by a cross-disciplinary team utilizing state-of-the-art measurement and genetic engineering technologies. The project leader, Dr. Yamaguchi, was responsible for the effective promotion of this research area by discussing research guidelines, promoting collaborative research through intra-regional coordination, evaluating and advising on the research area, planning and publicizing the research, and promoting international academic collaboration and fostering young researchers in this research area. We actively promoted collaboration among researchers to conduct world-class innovative research and took measures to generate synergistic effects.

Free Research Field

生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本学術変革領域研究(B)では、冬眠動物において冬眠発動が阻害される変異体の取得に成功した。また冬眠の際に生じる低温応答、概日リズムなどの解析基盤の整備も完了した。これらの成果は、長年の謎である哺乳類の冬眠機構の解明に向けた第一歩として学術的意義が高いと言える。さらに国内関連学会でのシンポジウム企画と国際交流、冬眠研究用デバイスの改良、等で通じた知見をさらに発展させ冬眠・休眠の分子基盤に迫ることで、哺乳類の低代謝・低体温による生存戦略のより深い理解がなされるとともに、救急医療や臓器移植、低体温療法などの医学応用への礎ができると期待される。