Changes in energy metabolism during hibernation in Japanese black bears

2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23780277
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Applied animal science
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: SHIMOZURU Michito 北海道大学, (連合)獣医学研究科, 准教授 (50507168)
• Project Period (FY): 2011 – 2013
• Keywords: 冬眠 / クマ / 代謝

Research Abstract

To investigate how black bears maintain energy homeostasis during hibernation, we analyzed seasonal changes in mRNA expression of energy metabolism-related genes in liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue. Real-time qPCR analysis revealed up-regulation of gluconegenesis-related genes in the liver, and down-regulation of glycolysis- and de novo lipogenesis-related genes in all three tissues, during hibernation, compared to the active period. The transcriptional modulation during hibernation represents a unique physiological adaptation to prolonged fasting in bears.

Research Products

• [Journal Article] Pregnancy during hibernation in Japanese black bears : effects on body temperature and blood biochemical profiles (2013)
  • Author(s): Shimozuru, M., Iibuchi, R., Yoshimoto, T., Nagashima, A., Tanaka, J., and Tsubota, T.
  • Journal Title: Journal of Mammalogy Volume: 94 (3) Pages: 618-627
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Changes in expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid metabolism during pre-hibernation period in captive adult female Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) (2012)
  • Author(s): Shimozuru, M., Kamine, A., and Tsubota, T.
  • Journal Title: Canadian Journal of Zoology Volume: 90 (8) Pages: 945-954
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Changes in expression of hepatic genes involved in energy metabolism during hibernation in captive, adult, female Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) (2012)
  • Author(s): Shimozuru, M., Kamine, A., and Tsubota, T.
  • Journal Title: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B Volume: 163 (2) Pages: 254-261
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Presentation] 妊娠ツキノワグマにおける冬眠中の体温および血中代謝関連成分の変化 (2012)
  • Author(s): 下鶴倫人、坪田敏男
  • Organizer: 日本哺乳類学会
  • Place of Presentation: (相模原、神奈川)
  • Year and Date: 2012-09-21
• [Presentation] Seasonal change in expression of energy metabolism-related genes in the liver and white adipose tissue of captive, adult, female Japanese black bears (2012)
  • Author(s): Shimozuru, M., Nagashima, A., Kamine, A., and Tsubota, T.
  • Organizer: 14^<th> International Hibernation Symposium
  • Place of Presentation: (Semmering, Austria)
  • Year and Date: 2012-08-11
• [Presentation] Body temperature and blood biochemical profiles during hibernation in the Japanese black bear (2012)
  • Author(s): Tsubota, T., and Shimozuru, M.
  • Organizer: 14^<th> International Hibernation Symposium
  • Place of Presentation: (Semmering, Austria)
  • Year and Date: 2012-08-10
• [Presentation] Changes in expression of hepatic genes involved in energy metabolism during the hibernation period in Japanese black bears (2011)
  • Author(s): Shimozuru, M., Kamine, A., and Tsubota, T.
  • Organizer: 20^<th> International Conference on Bear Research & Management
  • Place of Presentation: (Ottawa, Canada)
  • Year and Date: 2011-07-19
• [Remarks]
  • URL: http://wildlife.vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp