Catabolic metabolism provides the energy (ATP) that is essential for normal organism function, and in endotherms it also produces heat necessary for thermoregulation. However, many birds and mammals do not regulate their body temperature metabolically during development, even after birth or hatching. We are investigating changes in enzyme kinetics and gene expression to understand the development of metabolic capacity and, hence, endothermy.
Seebacher, F., Glanville, E. J. 2010. Low levels of physical activity increase metabolic responsiveness to cold in a rat (Rattus fuscipes). PLoS ONE 5, e13022.
Walter, I., Hegarty, B., Seebacher, F. 2010. AMP-activated protein kinase controls metabolism and heat production during embryonic development in birds. Journal of Experimental Biology 213, 3167-3176.
Walter, I., and Seebacher, F. 2009. Endothermy in birds: underlying molecular mechanisms. Journal of Experimental Biology 212, 2328-2336.