Investigation of accumulation and transport mechanisms of vitamin E in a mammalian hibernator

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20621
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0701:Biology at molecular to cellular levels, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Yamauchi Akari 北海道大学, 低温科学研究所, 助教 (00951394)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 冬眠 / 低温耐性 / シリアンハムスター / ビタミンE / α-トコフェロール輸送タンパク質

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A hibernating mammal, Syrian hamsters, accumulate high levels of α-tocopherol (αT), a type of vitamin E, in their bodies and acquire cold tolerance. However, it is unclear that the molecular mechanism of accumulation and systemic transport of αT, which is important for cold tolerance in hamsters. In this study, to approach this point, we 1) focused on alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (TTPA) and identified differences in the multimer size of TTPA between hibernating and non-hibernating mammals, 2) prepared for the production of genetically modified animals, and 3) found potential enhancement of the very low density lipoprotein secretion pathways during hibernation by gene expression analysis and lipidomics.

Free Research Field

生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、ハムスターの高濃度ビタミンEの蓄積・分配機構の理解のための基礎となる成果が得られた。本研究で見出された遺伝子について、細胞や個体における役割を検証していくことにより、低温耐性機構の理解に寄与すると予想される。また得られた知見により、低温耐性を持たないヒトの細胞・臓器の低温保存技術等、医療分野への応用が期待できる。