No abstract

Hibernation consists of alternating torpor–arousal phases, during which animals cope with repetitive hypothermia and ischaemia-reperfusion. Due to limited transcriptomic and methylomic information for facultative hibernators, we here conducted RNA and whole-genome bisulfide sequencing in liver of hibernating Syrian hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus ). Gene ontology analysis was performed on 844 differentially expressed genes and confirmed the shift in metabolic fuel utilization, inhibition of RNA transcription and cell cycle regulation as found in seasonal hibernators. Additionally, we showed a so far unreported suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein phosphatase 1 pathways during torpor. Notably, hibernating hamsters showed upregulation of MAPK inhibitors (dual-specificity phosphatases and sproutys) and reduced levels of MAPK-induced transcription factors (TFs). Promoter methylation was found to modulate the expression of genes targeted by these TFs. In conclusion, we document gene regulation between hibernation phases, which may aid the identification of pathways and targets to prevent organ damage in transplantation or ischaemia-reperfusion.

Hibernation consist of alternating torpor/arousal phases, during which animals cope with repetitive hypothermia and ischemia-reperfusion. Due to limited transcriptomic and methylomic information for facultative hibernators, we here conducted RNA and whole genome bisulfite sequencing in liver of hibernating Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Gene Ontology analysis was performed on 844 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and confirmed the shift in metabolic fuel utilization, inhibition of RNA transcription and cell cycle regulation as found in seasonal hibernators. We show a so far unreported suppression of MAPK and PP1 pathways. Notably, hibernating hamsters showed upregulation of MAPK inhibitors (DUSPs and SPRYs) and reduced levels of MAPK induced transcription factors. Promoter methylation was found to modulate the expression of genes targeted by these transcription factors. In conclusion, we document gene regulation between hibernation phases, which may aid the identification of pathways and targets to prevent organ damage in transplantation or ischemia-reperfusion.