Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of hibernation has unprecedented potential. Reduction of calorie need and powerful organ protection might revolutionise medical treatments and enable long distance space travel. However, fundamental mechanisms of hibernation are still unknown, largely due to the lack of detailed genetic information of hibernators. We aim to fill this gap by producing the first high-quality genome assembly and gene annotation of a hibernator, Garden Dormouse using animal samples throughout their active and hibernating stages. Thus, we will be able to identify the molecular pathways involved in hibernation and answer the long-standing question whether hibernation-specific genes exist.
Netherlands