Humans may have hibernation ‘superpowers’ in untapped genes, scientists say
Secrets of hibernating animals could unlock new Alzheimer’s treatments
- Recent studies indicate that the remarkable abilities of hibernating animals, such as avoiding muscle and nerve decay and maintaining health despite significant weight changes, are also present in human DNA.
- These animals demonstrate recovery from symptoms akin to those observed in human conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and stroke upon emerging from hibernation.
- The research highlights the “fat mass and obesity locus” (FTO) gene cluster, which regulates adjacent genes to control metabolism and weight in hibernators.
- Experiments involving mutations to hibernator-specific gene regions in mice demonstrated alterations in their metabolism, weight gain, and recovery from a hibernation-like state.
- Scientists suggest that identifying and understanding these genetic control switches could pave the way for new treatments for diabetes, Alzheimer's, and other age-related diseases in humans.