Intrinsic connections within the tree shrew (Tupaia glis) visual cortex (area 17) are organized in periodic stripelike patterns within layers I, II, and III. This anatomical network resembles the regularly organized stripes of 2-deoxyglucose accumulation seen after stimulation of alert animals with uniformly oriented lines. Such connections imply that widespread lateral interactions are superim...

Small hibernating rodents have greater maximum lifespans and hence appear to age more slowly than similar-sized non-hibernators. We tested for a direct effect of hibernation on somatic maintenance and ageing by measuring seasonal changes in relative telomere length (RTL) in the edible dormouse Glis glis. Average RTL in our population did not change significantly over the hibernation season, and...

CLOCK protein is a member of the bHLH-PAS family of transcription factors, it is expressed in several tissues including the liver and is essential for normal circadian rhythms. In this study we investigate the distribution of CLOCK protein in hepatocytes of euthermic and hibernating edible dormice Glis glis as well as in hepatocytes taken from the hibernating animals submitted in vitro to exper...

There are differences regarding distribution, conservation status and protection according to national European laws directives between the four dormouse species (Gliridae) native Central Europe. We question coherence scientific knowledge of dormice in Europe hypothesize that included Habitats Directive have been subject considerable research, while those not neglected, despite having an unfavo...

Marked peculiarities in the biology of a species that may be observed, possibly regardless genetic changes, on periphery habitat provide for survival under extreme conditions. The same relevant to populations are isolated, marginal, or remote from main distribution range species. With this mind, several biological features edible dormouse were studied. This rodent vast Europe and partly Asia. D...

This is the first report of a complete mitochondrial genome sequence from Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana, class Marmota). We determined the M. himalayana mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence by using long-PCR methods and a primer-walking sequencing strategy with genus-specific primers. The complete mt genome of M. himalayana was 16,443 bp in length and comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 2 r...

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, an evolutionarily conserved key regulator of embryonic patterning and tissue homeostasis, controls its target genes by managing the processing and activities of the Gli/Ci transcription factors. Little is known about the nuclear co-factors the Gli/Ci proteins recruit, and how they mechanistically control Hh target genes. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement o...