# Mammalian Hibernation Research- A Path Towards a Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS · 2020 · $2,303,450

## Abstract

Project Summary - Overall
This application is in response to PAR-16-415, Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) (P20).
The proposed phase 1 center (P1C) is built on a strong foundation and long-term commitment to hibernation
research at the University of Alaska's Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB). The objective of the P1C is to use the
expertise at IAB, in particular that of Dr. Kelly Drew, the PI, to build and strengthen the University of Alaska's
hibernation research infrastructure. The plan involves guiding the career development of three investigators,
experienced in research, but who have yet to receive R01s from NIH, and to guide the career development of
new investigators currently showing an interest in hibernation research. The long-term goal, likely beyond the
life of the P1C, is to apply what is learned about the mechanisms underlying the physiological changes in
hibernation to as yet unresolved issues relevant to metabolism and metabolic diseases such as disuse muscle
atrophy, sarcopenia, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in humans. The center will support
the research and career development of both experienced scientists and those getting their start in research.
The center will have a focus on all stages of research from basic through translational. By defining translational
paths for discoveries in hibernation, the P1C will contribute to the career development of the investigators.
Strong administrative and scientific leadership will accomplish the goals of this P1C through the following four
Specific Aims (SA): SA1. Establish an organizational structure and research infrastructure that will support and
promote a multidisciplinary framework to define mechanisms of metabolic adaptations in hibernating mammals.
SA 2. Enhance the careers of P1C project PIs as well as new investigators leading pilot projects through the
P1C in order to allow them to compete successfully for NIH individual research grants. SA3. Support research
projects and pilot projects aimed at developing an understanding of physiological, genetic and gut microbial
mechanisms in hibernation and how these mechanisms may play a role in treating disuse muscle atrophy or
sarcopenia. SA 4. Support clinical research projects related to the theme of the center. Seasonal hibernators
arguably display the most dramatic natural alterations in metabolism, appetite, diet, body composition and
body temperature of any mammal across their annual cycle. Such extremes offer insight into regulatory
mechanisms, and druggable targets that would be less obvious in traditional pre-clinical models. This P1C
focuses on genetic and gut microbial mechanisms related to protein synthesis and preservation of skeletal
muscle during prolonged disuse and fasting in hibernating mammals. Once completed new investigators will be
equipped to identify and translate treatments to promote anabolic sensitivity and preservation of muscle mass
and strength. Such discoveries have ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9978840
- **Project number:** 5P20GM130443-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
- **Principal Investigator:** KELLY L DREW
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $2,303,450
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-16 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9978840

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9978840, Mammalian Hibernation Research- A Path Towards a Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism (5P20GM130443-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9978840. Licensed CC0.

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