Modulation of gene expression in heart and liver of hibernating black bears (Ursus americanus).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hibernation is an adaptive strategy to survive in highly seasonal or unpredictable environments. The molecular and genetic basis of hibernation physiology in mammals has only recently been studied using large scale genomic approaches. We analyzed gene expression in the American black bear, Ursus americanus, using a custom 12,800 cDNA probe microarray to detect differences in expression that occur in heart and liver during winter hibernation in comparison to summer active animals.

Results

We identified 245 genes in heart and 319 genes in liver that were differentially expressed between winter and summer. The expression of 24 genes was significantly elevated during hibernation in both heart and liver. These genes are mostly involved in lipid catabolism and protein b

SUBMITTER: Fedorov VB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3078891 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature