Researchers from the University of Utah Health have made significant breakthroughs in understanding hibernation and its potential applications to human health. By studying the genetic switches that allow animals like bears and ground squirrels to survive extreme cold, scientists hope to unlock new ways to improve human metabolism and prevent age-related diseases.
In two companion studies published in Science, researchers identified molecular pathways that could help humans tap into their natural metabolic flexibility. This ability allows hibernators to rapidly gain weight before hibernation, followed by long periods of fasting, without damaging their health.
The research team focused on the fat mass and obesity (FTO) locus, a region associated with human obesity. They discovered specific DNA regions that regulate this area, which may help humans regulate their own metabolism. To test their theory, they edited these DNA regions in mice, resulting in changes in metabolism and behavior similar to those of hibernators.
The studies also explored how hibernators regulate genetic responses in the brain, identifying key genes involved in fasting responses. These findings suggest that humans may already carry the genetic framework for metabolic flexibility but have yet to unlock it.
Hibernation offers an intriguing model for understanding human health. By studying how animals survive extreme conditions without suffering negative consequences, scientists hope to develop new therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases. The research team believes that by unlocking the secrets of hibernation, humans may be able to improve their own health and well-being.
Source: https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/the-secret-to-hibernation-is-hidden-in-human-dna-and-we-might-one-day