Shotgun Proteomics Analysis of Hibernating Arctic Ground Squirrels

• DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m900260-mcp200
• Publication Date: 2009-11-22T01:13:00Z
• Authors: Chunxuan Shao; Yuting Liu; Hongqiang Ruan; Ying Li; Haifang Wang; Franziska Kohl; Anna V. Goropashnaya; Vadim B. Fedorov; Rong Zeng; Brian M. Barnes; Jun Yan
• Keywords: Torpor; Hibernation; Shotgun proteomics; Protein turnover; Ground squirrel

Mammalian hibernation involves complex mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming and tissue protection. Previous gene expression studies have mainly focused on changes at the mRNA level. Large scale proteomics lagged behind largely because lack an adequate protein database specific for hibernating species. We constructed a ground squirrel identification used label-free shotgun approach to analyze throughout torpor-arousal cycle during in arctic squirrels (Urocitellus parryii). identified more than 3,000 unique proteins from livers squirrels. Among them, 517 showed significant differential comparing animals sampled after least 8 days continuous torpor (late torpid), within 5 h spontaneous arousal episode (early aroused), 1-2 months had ended (non-hibernating). Consistent with level shown previous study same samples, involved glycolysis fatty acid synthesis were significantly underexpressed both late torpid early aroused compared non-hibernating animals, whereas catabolism overexpressed. On other hand, when we there discrepancies between levels large number genes. Proteins translation degradation, processing, oxidative phosphorylation overexpressed no these stages been observed. Our results suggest that is substantial post-transcriptional regulation cycles hibernation.