Investigation of skeletal muscle remodeling for hibernation in a mammalian hibernator Syrian hamster

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H04046
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• 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): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 冬眠 / 骨格筋 / 生理学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we clarified the skeletal muscle changes that occur in the process of remodeling the whole body into a body suitable for hibernation in a mammalian hibernator Syrian hamster. Specifically, we identified that Syrian hamsters reduce skeletal muscle mass during the pre-hibernation period, but maintain skeletal muscle mass during hibernation period. We then described the distribution of muscle fiber types in the back muscle that acts on shivering thermogenesis, and its changes during the body remodeling. We also set-up functional analysis of candidate genes that were identified as those assumed to be involved in the remodeling of skeletal muscles. These findings provide the basis for approaching mechanisms of the muscular atrophy tolerance in mammalian hibernators.

Free Research Field

冬眠

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で明らかになった広背筋の質・量と筋繊維組成の変化は、シリアンハムスターの骨格筋で生じる冬眠に適した状態への変化を定量的に記載する礎となる。この礎ができたことにより、今後さまざまな遺伝子機能操作を行なった際の効果判定が容易となり、「冬眠能の可塑的リモデリング」機構に迫れるようになる。これにより、通常冬眠不能状態にあるヒトなどの非冬眠動物に対しても、冬眠能を構成する性質を部分的にでも誘導し活用ですることで、寝たきり等による筋萎縮を防止する方策の立案につながると期待される。