The Role of Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming in the Hibernation of Chipmunks

Abstract

Liver, the center of substance metabolism, plays a vital role in the hibernation of mammals, a topic arousing increasing interest from researchers around the world. However, it remains unclear how the liver regulates energy metabolism during the hibernation of mammals. Metabolic disorders in the liver are closely associated with numerous diseases. In this research on chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus), we compared histological changes in the liver and energy source between the conditions for hibernation and room temperature, and subsequently conducted transcriptome sequencing analysis. The results demonstrate that lipid metabolism becomes a significant energy source during hibernation via the retinol signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway, thereby suggesting the importance of the liver in maintaining homeostasis when facing hypothermia. Furthermore, the result provides us with a novel perspective to obtain an insight into liver metabolic reprogramming and potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic disease in the liver.