2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
A novel hibernation-specific mechanism of regulation of gene expression.
| Project/Area Number |
15K14876
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Field |
Integrative animal science
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| Research Institution | Gifu University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
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| Keywords | 冬眠 / 低体温 / 転写後調節 / 低温ショックタンパク質 / スプライシング / ハムスター |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
The aim of this work was to clarify hibernation-specific regulatory mechanism of gene expression of a cold shock protein, CIRP, which protects cells against harmful cold temperature. Three major bands were amplified when RNA samples obtained from various organs of euthermic hamsters were applied to RT-PCR analysis. In contrast, one specific PCR product encoding functional CIRP was amplified when samples obtained from hibernating hamsters were used. The hibernation-specific alternative splicing was not occurred during acclimation period before entering hibernation, but became evident after dropping body temperature. The alternative splicing was also operated in hamsters, in which hypothermia was induced artificially. The alternative splicing of CIRP mRNA can be induced in rats and mice, and hibernation-like hypothermia was successfully established in these non-hibernators. These findings may provide a basis for the clinical application of valuable property of hibernating animals.
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| Free Research Field |
神経生理学
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