Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice
Published on: November 24, 2020
The Role of Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming in the Hibernation of Chipmunks
Mingrui Huang1, Chong Wang1, Juntao Liu2
1Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
Abstract:
Liver, the center of substance metabolism, plays a vital role in the hibernation of mammals, a topic arousing increasing interest from researchers around the world. However, it remains unclear how the liver regulates energy metabolism during the hibernation of mammals. Metabolic disorders in the liver are closely associated with numerous diseases. In this research on chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus), we compared histological changes in the liver and energy source between the conditions for hibernation and room temperature, and subsequently conducted transcriptome sequencing analysis. The results demonstrate that lipid metabolism becomes a significant energy source during hibernation via the retinol signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway, thereby suggesting the importance of the liver in maintaining homeostasis when facing hypothermia. Furthermore, the result provides us with a novel perspective to obtain an insight into liver metabolic reprogramming and potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic disease in the liver.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid Catabolism
Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
Regulation of Metabolism

