Proteins to Protect Cells from Freezing Studied in Novosibirsk

The research opens new perspectives for medicine and the food industry

The Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine (ICBFM) SB RAS has discovered molecular complexes that help organisms avoid cell damage when freezing in cold ecosystems, the university's press service reported.

In the protein solution, we found complexes that increase in size as the temperature decreases, increasing the area of interaction with ice and thereby preventing its growth or changing the shape of ice crystals, making it less destructive. This allows living organisms to avoid cell damage when water freezes. 
Svetlana Baranova, researcher at the Center for Mass Spectrometric Analysis of the Institute

Scientists have obtained a homogeneous preparation of one of the ice-binding proteins. It was studied using mass spectrometry and computer modeling. Further study of the protein structure and its interaction with ice will allow the development of an artificial analogue of antifreeze protein. It is he who will be able to prevent destruction during freezing and thawing.

Traditional freezing technologies often lead to changes in the texture of products due to the destructive effects of ice crystals. The use of ice-binding proteins will help to avoid such damage.

This opens up wide opportunities in solving problems such as cryopreservation of cells, tissues and organs, long-term storage of food without losing its consumer properties in the food industry, and creating anti-icing coatings for aerospace vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines.
Press service of ICBFM SB RAS

Earlier www1.ru reported that Russian scientists improved the protein with the help of artificial intelligence.

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