Elena Gracheva

My lab is interested in somatosensation and thermoregulation, particularly molecular and evolutionary mechanisms whereby the somatosensory and thermoregulatory systems adapt to the environmental and behavioral needs of an organism. We intend to understand, which molecules mediate different types of sensation under normal and extreme physiological conditions using mammalian hibernation as a naturally reversible model, and to dissect mechanisms of thermoregulation and thermogenesis using hibernators in their active and torpor physiological states.

Mammalian hibernation is fascinating as it is characterized by prolonged alternating periods of hypothermia (core body temperature drops from 37°C to 2-10°C) in association with unusual resistance of tissues to cold. Despite the robustness of these phenomena, fundamental questions remain about their cellular basis. Mammalian hibernators (thirteen-lined ground squirrels and Syrian hamsters) provide unique natural system for understanding thermo transduction machinery. Moreover, comparisons between phylogenetically related species of hibernators and non-hibernators will provide insights into anatomical, physiological, and genetic factors that support this unique thermo-adaptive process. Due to the complexity and dynamic nature of the somatosensory and thermoregulatory systems, we are taking an integrated approach using biochemistry, bioinformatics, live-cell imaging, electrophysiology, genomics, behavioral paradigms, and additional cellular and molecular biological techniques to approach these fascinating questions of both physiological and clinical significance.

The mechanisms gleaned from this study could have profound outcomes for human health in regard to inducible and reversible hypothermia, cold tolerance and hypersensitivity, and tissue transplantation.