Understanding how hibernation-like states can help improve human health
Official title: Biology and applications of mammalian hibernation-like states
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-10473207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some animals can slow down their body functions during hibernation and how understanding this could help us find new ways to treat health problems like cancer and metabolic diseases in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $1,755,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2DK136123-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10473207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or those recovering from trauma or stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions or those not affected by metabolic or trauma-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms behind hibernation and torpor in mammals, focusing on how these states can be induced and regulated. By studying how warm-blooded animals manage their metabolic functions during extreme conditions, the research aims to uncover new strategies for treating various human health issues, including cancer and metabolic diseases. The approach involves using laboratory mice to explore the physiological changes that occur during these states, which could lead to innovative therapies for conditions like trauma, stroke, and neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking treatments that slow disease progression and improve recovery outcomes for patients facing severe health challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic adaptations in animals, suggesting potential for similar breakthroughs in human medicine.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hrvatin, Sinisa — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Hrvatin, Sinisa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.