Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying genes and/or proteins involved in hibernation, activators and/or inhibitors of such genes or proteins, and methods of therapeutic use of such activators and/or inhibitors for treatment of a wide variety of diseases and/or medical conditions. In particular embodiments, such hibernation-related genes may include, but are not limited to, Adfp, Atr4, Cact, Myl6, Ca3, Ckm, Rps2, Lgmn, Fabpa, Fabph and Cyp51a1. Compounds that regulate the activities or functions of the Adfp, Atf4, Cact, Myl6, Ca3, Ckm, Rps2, Lgmn, Fabpa, Fabph and Cyp51a1 genes are known in the art and may be used for therapeutic treatment of diseases involving cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurologic or immunologic function.