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Role of Hibernation-like States on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function

Award Number: F31HL184753
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 12/12/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/11/2027

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Role of Hibernation-like States on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function - PROJECT SUMMARY Endotherms, or warm-blooded animals, are characterized by their ability to maintain a core body temperature of 37°C. However, in response to harsh environmental conditions (i.e., extreme temperatures or food scarcity), some animals undergo dormancy to conserve energy and ensure survival. Hibernation is an evolutionary process of dormancy characterized by bouts of torpor interrupted by brief periods of arousal, resulting in a hypometabolic state associated with a drop in body temperature, minimal activity, reduced oxygen consumption, and low heart rate. Hibernation can last from a few days to several weeks, while torpor periods are shorter, ranging from hours to days. Although several animals are known to hibernate or undergo torpor, humans do not naturally hibernate. Remarkably, the physiological adaptions of hibernation and torpor are associated with several benefits, including reduced cancer cell proliferation, decreased oxidative stress and tissue damage, neuroprotection, radioprotection, and extended lifespan. An understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying these states could thus benefit human health. Mammalian aging is characterized by diminished tissue regeneration due to declining tissue-specific stem cell function, with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity progressively declining in the blood system. HSCs reside in the bone marrow, where their function is regulated by other cell types via regulatory signals in the form of bound or secreted molecules that constitute the HSC microenvironment or niche. Notably, how hibernation and torpor-like states impact the hematopoietic system is unknown. Based on our preliminary data, I hypothesize that induction and recovery from a hibernation-like hypometabolic state induce alterations in HSC function, aging phenotype, and the regulatory HSC bone marrow niche. The overall aim of this project is to investigate the hematopoietic mechanisms underlying torpor and hibernation biology. Altogether, our studies will provide novel mechanistic insights into the unexplored pro-longevity effects of hibernation and the potential to delay hematopoietic aging. These findings may inform new therapeutic strategies for preventing aging-associated hematological malignancies and could support future efforts to develop induced hibernation as a tool for long-duration spaceflight and clinical preservation of tissue function.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $50,114 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	809 S MARSHFIELD AVE M/C 551	CHICAGO	IL	60612	COOK	USA	Blood Diseases and Resources Research	000	1	6/18/2026	NEW	$50,114
														Subtotal = $50,114

Grand Total All Awards = $50,114

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Role of Hibernation-like States on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function

Award Number: F31HL184753

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 12/12/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/11/2027

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