A protective cellular process occurring during hibernation that helps squirrels protect their brains during diminished blood flow, when there is a lack of oxygen and nutrients, may provide a key to improving stroke outcomes in humans, according to a report from .
SUMOylation, which involves post-translational modification of Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier Proteins, has been shown to maintain brain function in hibernating squirrels, and can be upregulated with injections of the enzyme ebselen.
Researchers from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are hoping that similar injections -- "turning on" hibernation -- may help preserve brain tissue in people following ischemic stroke despite the disruption to blood flow, providing more time for emergency medical interventions.