Researchers have discovered genes associated with hibernation in human DNA. We have to “wake up” if we once want to reverse aging and preserve muscle, among other advantages of the state of inaction.
Humans may have, in their genome, “Genetic switches” similar to those of animals that hibernate and, one day, these mechanisms may be activated for therapeutic purposes.
The conclusion is not one, but from two studies published in Science magazine, points to.
The investigation, conducted by a team from the University of Utah Health explores molecular paths that allow hibernating animals to survive for months with reduced metabolism and without serious health damage.
It focused on the so -called “locus fto”, a genetic region also present in humans and associated with the risk of obesity. In animals that hibernate, this locus is regulated by specific DNA sequences that adjust the activity of neighboring genes, allowing them to get fat rapidly before winter and then resist long periods of fasting.
To test this hypothesis, scientists have manipulated these DNA regions in rats (animals that do not naturally hibernate). The results were surprising: the rats began to display behaviors and physiological changes similar to those of hibernating speciesincluding different regulation of body weight, temperature and eating habits.
No, the team analyzed the way the brain – specifically the hypothalamus – regulates these genetic responses during fasting and food. Comparing rats and species that hibernate, scientists have identified genes that act as coordinators of fasting response and who, throughout evolution, may have become “Switches” activated or deactivated according to the need to hibernate.
These mechanisms may thus be “dormant” in human DNA: if they are “awake”, they can be used for metabolic and aging disease treatments.
It is relevant to remember that hibernate animals show impressive abilities that we (yet) do not have: Avoid type 2 diabetes, maintain muscle mass and show signs of healthier agingdespite the extreme conditions they face.
