Regulation of Antioxidant Defenses, DNA Damage Repair, the Immune Response, and Neuroprotection During Hibernation in the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel

Abstract

Hibernation is a fascinating survival adaptation that allows animals to transition into a torpid state to survive the winter by coordinating a strong suppression of metabolic rate, conservation of fuel/energy, and reduction of body temperature. This strategy permits thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) and other hibernating mammals to endure the harsh winter season when there is little access to food. Many energy-expensive cellular processes are suppressed, including gene transcription …