Abstract
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Spermophlus tridecemlineatus , are true hibernators that survive the winter by hibernating in underground burrows from August through to March. During hibernation, squirrels experience little or no muscle atrophy despite a reduced work load. Atrophy is minimized by changing the composition of muscle proteins to provide an optimal mix of isoforms. This study analyzed protein levels of Myocyte Enhancer Factor-2 (MEF-2) in skeletal muscle. MEF-2 proteins are transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes responsible for muscle remodeling in skeletal muscles. Western immunoblotting showed enhanced levels of MEF-2 and an increase in its nuclear localization in muscle of hibernating animals. Finally, Western blots of MEF-2 downstream genes were analyzed. An increase in protein levels of downstream genes supports the activation of MEF-2 transcription factors and the subsequent transcription of genes necessary for muscle remodeling. Funded by NSERC Canada. For more information go to: www.carleton.ca/∼kbstorey .
Published Version
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