Secrets of hibernating animals could unlock new Alzheimer's treatments
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.
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