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Lopes JC, Kinasz CT, Luiz AMC, Kreusch MG, Duarte RTD. Frost fighters: unveiling the potential of microbial antifreeze proteins in biotech innovation. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae140. [PMID: 38877650 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Polar environments pose extreme challenges for life due to low temperatures, limited water, high radiation, and frozen landscapes. Despite these harsh conditions, numerous macro and microorganisms have developed adaptive strategies to reduce the detrimental effects of extreme cold. A primary survival tactic involves avoiding or tolerating intra and extracellular freezing. Many organisms achieve this by maintaining a supercooled state by producing small organic compounds like sugars, glycerol, and amino acids, or through increasing solute concentration. Another approach is the synthesis of ice-binding proteins, specifically antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which hinder ice crystal growth below the melting point. This adaptation is crucial for preventing intracellular ice formation, which could be lethal, and ensuring the presence of liquid water around cells. AFPs have independently evolved in different species, exhibiting distinct thermal hysteresis and ice structuring properties. Beyond their ecological role, AFPs have garnered significant attention in biotechnology for potential applications in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. This review aims to offer a thorough insight into the activity and impacts of AFPs on water, examining their significance in cold-adapted organisms, and exploring the diversity of microbial AFPs. Using a meta-analysis from cultivation-based and cultivation-independent data, we evaluate the correlation between AFP-producing microorganisms and cold environments. We also explore small and large-scale biotechnological applications of AFPs, providing a perspective for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Camila Lopes
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Camila Tomazini Kinasz
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima,, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Alanna Maylle Cararo Luiz
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima,, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Marianne Gabi Kreusch
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Rubens Tadeu Delgado Duarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima,, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
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Dhibar S, Jana B. Accurate Prediction of Antifreeze Protein from Sequences through Natural Language Text Processing and Interpretable Machine Learning Approaches. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:10727-10735. [PMID: 38009833 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) bind to growing iceplanes owing to their structural complementarity nature, thereby inhibiting the ice-crystal growth by thermal hysteresis. Classification of AFPs from sequence is a difficult task due to their low sequence similarity, and therefore, the usual sequence similarity algorithms, like Blast and PSI-Blast, are not efficient. Here, a method combining n-gram feature vectors and machine learning models to accelerate the identification of potential AFPs from sequences is proposed. All these n-gram features are extracted from the K-mer counting method. The comparative analysis reveals that, among different machine learning models, Xgboost outperforms others in predicting AFPs from sequence when penta-mers are used as a feature vector. When tested on an independent dataset, our method performed better compared to other existing ones with sensitivity of 97.50%, recall of 98.30%, and f1 score of 99.10%. Further, we used the SHAP method, which provides important insight into the functional activity of AFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Dhibar
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Biman Jana
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
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KhokharVoytas A, Shahbaz M, Maqsood MF, Zulfiqar U, Naz N, Iqbal UZ, Sara M, Aqeel M, Khalid N, Noman A, Zulfiqar F, Al Syaad KM, AlShaqhaa MA. Genetic modification strategies for enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses in the context of climate change. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:283. [PMID: 37642792 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing the resilience of plants to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold, is crucial for ensuring global food security challenge in the context of climate change. The adverse effects of climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, pose significant threats to agricultural systems worldwide. Genetic modification strategies offer promising approaches to develop crops with improved abiotic stress tolerance. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of various genetic modification techniques employed to enhance plant resilience. These strategies include the introduction of stress-responsive genes, transcription factors, and regulatory elements to enhance stress signaling pathways. Additionally, the manipulation of hormone signaling pathways, osmoprotectant accumulation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms is discussed. The use of genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, for precise modification of target genes related to stress tolerance is also explored. Furthermore, the challenges and future prospects of genetic modification for abiotic stress tolerance are highlighted. Understanding and harnessing the potential of genetic modification strategies can contribute to the development of resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions caused by climate change, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | | | - Usman Zulfiqar
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan.
| | - Nargis Naz
- Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Usama Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Maheen Sara
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aqeel
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems (SKLHIGA), College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Noreen Khalid
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Ali Noman
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Zulfiqar
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Khalid M Al Syaad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
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Satyakam, Zinta G, Singh RK, Kumar R. Cold adaptation strategies in plants—An emerging role of epigenetics and antifreeze proteins to engineer cold resilient plants. Front Genet 2022; 13:909007. [PMID: 36092945 PMCID: PMC9459425 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold stress adversely affects plant growth, development, and yield. Also, the spatial and geographical distribution of plant species is influenced by low temperatures. Cold stress includes chilling and/or freezing temperatures, which trigger entirely different plant responses. Freezing tolerance is acquired via the cold acclimation process, which involves prior exposure to non-lethal low temperatures followed by profound alterations in cell membrane rigidity, transcriptome, compatible solutes, pigments and cold-responsive proteins such as antifreeze proteins. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin dynamics and small non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in cold stress adaptation. Here, we provide a recent update on cold-induced signaling and regulatory mechanisms. Emphasis is given to the role of epigenetic mechanisms and antifreeze proteins in imparting cold stress tolerance in plants. Lastly, we discuss genetic manipulation strategies to improve cold tolerance and develop cold-resistant plants.
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Jiuxin L, Liebao H. Progress and Challenges in China Turfgrass Abiotic Stress Resistance Research. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:922175. [PMID: 35774814 PMCID: PMC9237609 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.922175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Turfgrasses are an important vehicle for urban ecology and one of the most important indicators of economy and civilization. The biological characteristics of different turfgrass species affect the productivity and quality of the turf and its potential use in landscapes, slopes, and sports fields. Cultivation and management techniques can assist turfgrasses to meet the challenges of climate change, while the development of molecular breeding will provide a broader platform for the application of turfgrasses. The turfgrass industry of China has developed considerably in the last three decades; however, there is still an objective gap with developed countries. This manuscript reviewed the research progress of turfgrass resistance breeding, analyzed the bottlenecks in the development of turfgrass resistance breeding, and put forward the strategies to cope with the bottlenecks. Our review aims to promote research and utilization of turfgrasses.
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Yu H, Zheng H, Liu Y, Yang Q, Li W, Zhang Y, Fu F. Antifreeze protein from Ammopiptanthus nanus functions in temperature-stress through domain A. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8458. [PMID: 33875741 PMCID: PMC8055964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88021-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature stress restricts plant growth and development. Antifreeze protein (AFP) can improve plants antifreeze ability. In our previous study, the AnAFP gene cloned from Ammopiptanthus nanus was confirmed to be an excellent candidate enhancing plant cold resistance. But, AnAFP protein shared similar structures with KnS type dehydrins including K, N and S domains except ice crystal binding domain A. Here, we generated AnAFPΔA, AnAFPΔK, AnAFPΔN and AnAFPΔS, and transformed them into ordinary and cold sensitive strains of E. coli, and Arabidopsis KS type dehydrin mutant to evaluate their function. Expression of AnAFPΔA decreases cold and heat tolerance in E. coli, meanwhile, AnAFP enhances heat tolerance in Arabidopsis, suggesting that domain A is a thermal stable functional domain. AnAFP, AnAFPΔA and AnAFPΔS localize in whole cell, but AnAFPΔK and AnAFPΔN only localizes in nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively, exhibiting that K and N domains control localization of AnAFP. Likewise, K domain blocks interaction between AnAFP and AnICE1. The result of RT-qPCR showed that expression of AnAFP, AnICE1 and AnCBF genes was significantly induced by high-temperature, indicating that the AnAFP is likely regulated by ICE1-CBF-COR signal pathway. Taken together, the study provides insights into understanding the mechanism of AnAFP in response to temperature stress and gene resource to improve heat or cold tolerance of plants in transgenic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaoQiang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture; Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - HongYing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture; Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture; Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - QingQing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture; Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - WanChen Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture; Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - YuanYuan Zhang
- College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Mianyang Teachers' College, Mianyang, 621000, China.
| | - FengLing Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture; Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Huang Q, Hu R, Hui zhu, Peng C, Chen L. Expression of multi-domain type III antifreeze proteins from the Antarctic eelpout (Lycodichths dearborni) in transgenic tobacco plants improves cold resistance. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Ice Binding Proteins: Diverse Biological Roles and Applications in Different Types of Industry. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020274. [PMID: 32053888 PMCID: PMC7072191 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 80% of Earth’s surface is exposed periodically or continuously to temperatures below 5 °C. Organisms that can live in these areas are called psychrophilic or psychrotolerant. They have evolved many adaptations that allow them to survive low temperatures. One of the most interesting modifications is production of specific substances that prevent living organisms from freezing. Psychrophiles can synthesize special peptides and proteins that modulate the growth of ice crystals and are generally called ice binding proteins (IBPs). Among them, antifreeze proteins (AFPs) inhibit the formation of large ice grains inside the cells that may damage cellular organelles or cause cell death. AFPs, with their unique properties of thermal hysteresis (TH) and ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI), have become one of the promising tools in industrial applications like cryobiology, food storage, and others. Attention of the industry was also caught by another group of IBPs exhibiting a different activity—ice-nucleating proteins (INPs). This review summarizes the current state of art and possible utilizations of the large group of IBPs.
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Naing AH, Kim CK. A brief review of applications of antifreeze proteins in cryopreservation and metabolic genetic engineering. 3 Biotech 2019; 9:329. [PMID: 31448185 PMCID: PMC6691018 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1861-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) confer the ability to survive at subzero temperatures and are found in many different organisms, including fish, plants, and insects. They prevent the formation of ice crystals by non-colligative adsorption to the ice surface and are essential for the survival of organisms in cold environments. These proteins are also widely used for cryopreservation, food technology, and metabolic genetic engineering over a range of sources and recipient cell types. This review summarizes successful applications of AFPs in the cryopreservation of animals, insects, and plants, and discusses challenges encountered in cryopreservation. Applications in metabolic genetic engineering are also described, specifically with the overexpression of AFP genes derived from different organisms to provide freeze protection to sensitive crops seasonally exposed to subzero temperatures. This review will provide information about potential applications of AFPs in the cryopreservation of animals and plants as well as in plant metabolic genetic engineering in hopes of furthering the development of cold-tolerant organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aung Htay Naing
- Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566 Korea
| | - Chang Kil Kim
- Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566 Korea
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Bredow M, Vanderbeld B, Walker VK. Ice-binding proteins confer freezing tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2017; 15:68-81. [PMID: 27317906 PMCID: PMC5253476 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Lolium perenne is a freeze-tolerant perennial ryegrass capable of withstanding temperatures below -13 °C. Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) presumably help prevent damage associated with freezing by restricting the growth of ice crystals in the apoplast. We have investigated the expression, localization and in planta freezing protection capabilities of two L. perenne IBP isoforms, LpIRI2 and LpIRI3, as well as a processed IBP (LpAFP). One of these isoforms, LpIRI2, lacks a conventional signal peptide and was assumed to be a pseudogene. Nevertheless, both LpIRI2 and LpIRI3 transcripts were up-regulated following cold acclimation. LpIRI2 also demonstrated ice-binding activity when produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli. Both the LpIRI3 and LpIRI2 isoforms appeared to accumulate in the apoplast of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In contrast, the fully processed isoform, LpAFP, remained intracellular. Transgenic plants expressing either LpIRI2 or LpIRI3 showed reduced ion leakage (12%-39%) after low-temperature treatments, and significantly improved freezing survival, while transgenic LpAFP-expressing lines did not confer substantial subzero protection. Freeze protection was further enhanced by with the introduction of more than one IBP isoform; ion leakage was reduced 26%-35% and 10% of plants survived temperatures as low as -8 °C. Our results demonstrate that apoplastic expression of multiple L. perenne IBP isoforms shows promise for providing protection to crops susceptible to freeze-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Virginia K. Walker
- Department of BiologyQueen's UniversityKingstonONCanada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and School of Environmental StudiesQueen's UniversityKingstonONCanada
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Bredow M, Walker VK. Ice-Binding Proteins in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:2153. [PMID: 29312400 PMCID: PMC5744647 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.02153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sub-zero temperatures put plants at risk of damage associated with the formation of ice crystals in the apoplast. Some freeze-tolerant plants mitigate this risk by expressing ice-binding proteins (IBPs), that adsorb to ice crystals and modify their growth. IBPs are found across several biological kingdoms, with their ice-binding activity and function uniquely suited to the lifestyle they have evolved to protect, be it in fishes, insects or plants. While IBPs from freeze-avoidant species significantly depress the freezing point, plant IBPs typically have a reduced ability to lower the freezing temperature. Nevertheless, they have a superior ability to inhibit the recrystallization of formed ice. This latter activity prevents ice crystals from growing larger at temperatures close to melting. Attempts to engineer frost-hardy plants by the controlled transfer of IBPs from freeze-avoiding fish and insects have been largely unsuccessful. In contrast, the expression of recombinant IBP sequences from freeze-tolerant plants significantly reduced electrolyte leakage and enhanced freezing survival in freeze-sensitive plants. These promising results have spurred additional investigations into plant IBP localization and post-translational modifications, as well as a re-evaluation of IBPs as part of the anti-stress and anti-pathogen axis of freeze-tolerant plants. Here we present an overview of plant freezing stress and adaptation mechanisms and discuss the potential utility of IBPs for the generation of freeze-tolerant crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bredow
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Melissa Bredow,
| | - Virginia K. Walker
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, and School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bar Dolev
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; ,
| | - Ido Braslavsky
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; ,
| | - Peter L. Davies
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada;
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An open source cryostage and software analysis method for detection of antifreeze activity. Cryobiology 2016; 72:251-7. [PMID: 27041219 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide the reader with a simple setup that can detect antifreeze proteins (AFP) by inhibition of ice recrystallisation in very small sample sizes. This includes an open source cryostage, a method for preparing and loading samples as well as a software analysis method. The entire setup was tested using hyperactive AFP from the cerambycid beetle, Rhagium mordax. Samples containing AFP were compared to buffer samples, and the results are visualised as crystal radius evolution over time and in absolute change over 30 min. Statistical analysis showed that samples containing AFP could reliably be told apart from controls after only two minutes of recrystallisation. The goal of providing a fast, cheap and easy method for detecting antifreeze proteins in solution was met, and further development of the system can be followed at https://github.com/pechano/cryostage.
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Deng LQ, Yu HQ, Liu YP, Jiao PP, Zhou SF, Zhang SZ, Li WC, Fu FL. Heterologous expression of antifreeze protein gene AnAFP from Ammopiptanthus nanus enhances cold tolerance in Escherichia coli and tobacco. Gene 2014; 539:132-40. [PMID: 24502990 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins are a class of polypeptides produced by certain animals, plants, fungi and bacteria that permit their survival under the subzero environments. Ammopiptanthus nanus is the unique evergreen broadleaf bush endemic to the Mid-Asia deserts. It survives at the west edge of the Tarim Basin from the disappearance of the ancient Mediterranean in the Tertiary Period. Its distribution region is characterized by the arid climate and extreme temperatures, where the extreme temperatures range from -30 °C to 40 °C. In the present study, the antifreeze protein gene AnAFP of A. nanus was used to transform Escherichia coli and tobacco, after bioinformatics analysis for its possible function. The transformed E. coli strain expressed the heterologous AnAFP gene under the induction of isopropyl β-D-thiogalactopyranoside, and demonstrated significant enhancement of cold tolerance. The transformed tobacco lines expressed the heterologous AnAFP gene in response to cold stress, and showed a less change of relative electrical conductivity under cold stress, and a less wilting phenotype after 16 h of -3 °C cold stress and thawing for 1h than the untransformed wild-type plants. All these results imply the potential value of the AnAFP gene to be used in genetic modification of commercially important crops for improvement of cold tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Qun Deng
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, PR China
| | - Hao-Qiang Yu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, PR China
| | - Yan-Ping Liu
- Faculty of Plant Science, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Pei-Pei Jiao
- Faculty of Plant Science, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang 843300, PR China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, PR China
| | - Su-Zhi Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, PR China
| | - Wan-Chen Li
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, PR China.
| | - Feng-Ling Fu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, PR China.
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Singh HP, Singh BP. Genetic Engineering of Field, Industrial and Pharmaceutical Crops. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2014.526416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Boudry M, Pigliucci M. The mismeasure of machine: Synthetic biology and the trouble with engineering metaphors. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 2013; 44:660-668. [PMID: 23790452 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsc.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The scientific study of living organisms is permeated by machine and design metaphors. Genes are thought of as the "blueprint" of an organism, organisms are "reverse engineered" to discover their functionality, and living cells are compared to biochemical factories, complete with assembly lines, transport systems, messenger circuits, etc. Although the notion of design is indispensable to think about adaptations, and engineering analogies have considerable heuristic value (e.g., optimality assumptions), we argue they are limited in several important respects. In particular, the analogy with human-made machines falters when we move down to the level of molecular biology and genetics. Living organisms are far more messy and less transparent than human-made machines. Notoriously, evolution is an opportunistic tinkerer, blindly stumbling on "designs" that no sensible engineer would come up with. Despite impressive technological innovation, the prospect of artificially designing new life forms from scratch has proven more difficult than the superficial analogy with "programming" the right "software" would suggest. The idea of applying straightforward engineering approaches to living systems and their genomes-isolating functional components, designing new parts from scratch, recombining and assembling them into novel life forms-pushes the analogy with human artifacts beyond its limits. In the absence of a one-to-one correspondence between genotype and phenotype, there is no straightforward way to implement novel biological functions and design new life forms. Both the developmental complexity of gene expression and the multifarious interactions of genes and environments are serious obstacles for "engineering" a particular phenotype. The problem of reverse-engineering a desired phenotype to its genetic "instructions" is probably intractable for any but the most simple phenotypes. Recent developments in the field of bio-engineering and synthetic biology reflect these limitations. Instead of genetically engineering a desired trait from scratch, as the machine/engineering metaphor promises, researchers are making greater strides by co-opting natural selection to "search" for a suitable genotype, or by borrowing and recombining genetic material from extant life forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Boudry
- Ghent University, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Belgium.
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Bang JK, Lee JH, Murugan RN, Lee SG, Do H, Koh HY, Shim HE, Kim HC, Kim HJ. Antifreeze peptides and glycopeptides, and their derivatives: potential uses in biotechnology. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:2013-41. [PMID: 23752356 PMCID: PMC3721219 DOI: 10.3390/md11062013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and glycoproteins (AFGPs), collectively called AF(G)Ps, constitute a diverse class of proteins found in various Arctic and Antarctic fish, as well as in amphibians, plants, and insects. These compounds possess the ability to inhibit the formation of ice and are therefore essential to the survival of many marine teleost fishes that routinely encounter sub-zero temperatures. Owing to this property, AF(G)Ps have potential applications in many areas such as storage of cells or tissues at low temperature, ice slurries for refrigeration systems, and food storage. In contrast to AFGPs, which are composed of repeated tripeptide units (Ala-Ala-Thr)n with minor sequence variations, AFPs possess very different primary, secondary, and tertiary structures. The isolation and purification of AFGPs is laborious, costly, and often results in mixtures, making characterization difficult. Recent structural investigations into the mechanism by which linear and cyclic AFGPs inhibit ice crystallization have led to significant progress toward the synthesis and assessment of several synthetic mimics of AFGPs. This review article will summarize synthetic AFGP mimics as well as current challenges in designing compounds capable of mimicking AFGPs. It will also cover our recent efforts in exploring whether peptoid mimics can serve as structural and functional mimics of native AFGPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Kyu Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Scienc Institute, Chungbuk 363-833, Korea; E-Mails: (J.K.B.); (R.N.M.)
| | - Jun Hyuck Lee
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mails: (J.H.L.); (S.G.L.); (H.D.); (H.Y.K.); (H.-E.S.)
- Department of Polar Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Ravichandran N. Murugan
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Scienc Institute, Chungbuk 363-833, Korea; E-Mails: (J.K.B.); (R.N.M.)
| | - Sung Gu Lee
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mails: (J.H.L.); (S.G.L.); (H.D.); (H.Y.K.); (H.-E.S.)
- Department of Polar Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Hackwon Do
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mails: (J.H.L.); (S.G.L.); (H.D.); (H.Y.K.); (H.-E.S.)
- Department of Polar Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Incheon 406-840, Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Koh
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mails: (J.H.L.); (S.G.L.); (H.D.); (H.Y.K.); (H.-E.S.)
| | - Hye-Eun Shim
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mails: (J.H.L.); (S.G.L.); (H.D.); (H.Y.K.); (H.-E.S.)
| | - Hyun-Cheol Kim
- Division of Polar Climate Research, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mail:
| | - Hak Jun Kim
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 406-840, Korea; E-Mails: (J.H.L.); (S.G.L.); (H.D.); (H.Y.K.); (H.-E.S.)
- Department of Polar Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Incheon 406-840, Korea
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +82-32-760-5550; Fax: +82-32-760-5598
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Guan Q, Takano T, Liu S. Genetic transformation and analysis of rice OsAPx2 gene in Medicago sativa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41233. [PMID: 22848448 PMCID: PMC3407167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The OsAPx2 gene from rice was cloned to produce PBI121::OsAPx2 dual-expression plants, of which expression level would be increasing under stressful conditions. The enzyme ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in the leaves and roots of the plants increased with increasing exposure time to different sodium chloride (NaCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))concentrations, as indicated by protein gel blot analysis. The increased enzyme yield improved the ability of the plants to resist the stress treatments. The OsAPx2 gene was localized in the cytoplasm of epidermal onion cells as indicated by the instantaneous expression of green fluorescence. An 80% regeneration rate was observed in Medicago sativa L. plants transformed with the OsAPx2 gene using Agrobacterium tumefaciens, as indicated by specific primer PCR. The OsAPx2 gene was expressed at the mRNA level and the individual M. sativa (T#1,T#2,T#5) were obtained through assaying the generation of positive T2 using RNA gel blot analysis. When the seeds of the wild type (WT) and the T2 (T#1,T#5) were incubated in culture containing MS with NaCl for 7 days, the results as shown of following: the root length of transgenic plant was longer than WT plants, the H(2)O(2) content in roots of WT was more than of transgenic plants, the APX activity under stresses increased by 2.89 times compared with the WT, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the WT was higher than the transgenic plants, the leaves of the WT turned yellow, but those of the transgenic plants remained green and remained healthy. The chlorophyll content in the WT leaves was less than in the transgenic plants, after soaking in solutions of H(2)O(2), sodium sulfite (Na(2)SO(3)), and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)). Therefore, the OsAPx2 gene overexpression in transgenic M. sativa improves the removal of H(2)O(2) and the salt-resistance compared with WT plants. A novel strain of M. sativa carrying a salt-resistance gene was obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjie Guan
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration in Oil Field (SAVER), Ministry of Education, Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center (ASNESC), Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Tetsuo Takano
- Asian Natural Environment Science Center (ANESC), The University of Tokyo, Nishitokyo City, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shenkui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration in Oil Field (SAVER), Ministry of Education, Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center (ASNESC), Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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20
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Wang AX, Chen XL. [Current status and industrialization of transgenic tomatoes]. YI CHUAN = HEREDITAS 2011; 33:962-974. [PMID: 21951797 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2011.00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this review, the progress in transgenic tomato research, including disease and insect resistance, herbicide resistance, stress tolerance, long-term storage, quality improvement, and male sterility, were described. The recent researches on producing heterologous proteins using transgenic tomatoes were also reviewed. Furthermore, the industrialization status and problems of transgenic tomatoes were analyzed and the prospects of both research and industrialization in transgenic tomatoes were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao-Xue Wang
- Northeast Agricultural University, College of Horticulture, Harbin 150030, China.
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21
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Zhu B, Xiong AS, Peng RH, Xu J, Jin XF, Meng XR, Yao QH. Over-expression of ThpI from Choristoneura fumiferana enhances tolerance to cold in Arabidopsis. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:961-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9759-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Venketesh S, Dayananda C. Properties, Potentials, and Prospects of Antifreeze Proteins. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2008; 28:57-82. [DOI: 10.1080/07388550801891152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Wang Y, Qiu L, Dai C, Wang J, Luo J, Zhang F, Ma J. Expression of insect (Microdera puntipennis dzungarica) antifreeze protein MpAFP149 confers the cold tolerance to transgenic tobacco. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2008; 27:1349-58. [PMID: 18528694 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-008-0562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 05/18/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the function of antifreeze protein from Microdera puntipennis dzhungarica for freezing stress tolerance in plant, the construct of MpAFP149 gene with the signal peptide sequence responsible for secreting the native MpAFP149 into the apoplast space under control of a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter was introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The observation of immunogold localization by TEM (transmission electron microscope) showed that the heterologous MpAFP149 protein was mainly distributed on the cell wall in apoplast of the transgenic tobacco plant. T1 generation transgenic tobacco plants displayed a more frost resistant phenotype and kept the lower ion leakage ratio and MDA (malondialdehyde) content in the leaves compared with wild-type ones at -1 degrees C for 3 days. The results showed that MpAFP149 provided protection and conferred cold tolerance to transgenic tobacco plant during freezing stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, 14 Shengli Road, 830046, Urumqi, China
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Bagis H, Tas A, Kankavi O. Determination of the expression of fish antifreeze protein (AFP) in 7th generation transgenic mice tissues and serum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 309:255-61. [PMID: 18366101 DOI: 10.1002/jez.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the presence of antifreeze protein (AFP) gene expression through successive generations in transgenic mice carrying the chimeric gene construct of the coding sequence for the AFP protein from ocean pout was investigated. AFP transgenic hemizygote mice were used for AFP gene expression. AFP genome expressions in transgenic mice were analyzed by Western blotting, and tissue location of AFP protein was shown by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Seventh transgenic mice from the established founders demonstrated the expression of AFP in organs such as the skin, oviduct, lung, kidney and liver tissues and serum except for the heart. Our results demonstrate successful expression of AFP gene products in several tissues and serum of transgenic mice, the association of in vivo expressed AFP protein, for the first time. These results indicate that the coding sequence for the AFP protein gene (ocean pout type III AFP gene) could be integrated and stably transcribed and expressed in the 7th generation of transgenic mice. In conclusion transgenic mouse lines would be a good model for the cryostudy of AFP and for the determination of AFP roles in several organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydar Bagis
- TUBITAK, Marmara Research Center (MRC), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute (GEBI), Transgenic Core Facility, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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25
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Lemaux PG. Genetically Engineered Plants and Foods: A Scientist's Analysis of the Issues (Part I). ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2008; 59:771-812. [PMID: 18284373 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.58.032806.103840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Through the use of the new tools of genetic engineering, genes can be introduced into the same plant or animal species or into plants or animals that are not sexually compatible-the latter is a distinction with classical breeding. This technology has led to the commercial production of genetically engineered (GE) crops on approximately 250 million acres worldwide. These crops generally are herbicide and pest tolerant, but other GE crops in the pipeline focus on other traits. For some farmers and consumers, planting and eating foods from these crops are acceptable; for others they raise issues related to safety of the foods and the environment. In Part I of this review some general and food issues raised regarding GE crops and foods will be addressed. Responses to these issues, where possible, cite peer-reviewed scientific literature. In Part II to appear in 2009, issues related to environmental and socioeconomic aspects of GE crops and foods will be covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy G Lemaux
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
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26
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Khanna HK, Daggard GE. Targeted expression of redesigned and codon optimised synthetic gene leads to recrystallisation inhibition and reduced electrolyte leakage in spring wheat at sub-zero temperatures. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2006; 25:1336-46. [PMID: 16847628 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-006-0191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2006] [Revised: 05/28/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) adsorb to ice crystals and inhibit their growth, leading to non-colligative freezing point depression. Crops like spring wheat, that are highly susceptible to frost damage, can potentially be made frost tolerant by expressing AFPs in the cytoplasm and apoplast where ice recrystallisation leads to cellular damage. The protein sequence for HPLC-6 alpha-helical antifreeze protein from winter flounder was rationally redesigned after removing the prosequences in the native protein. Wheat nuclear gene preferred amino acid codons were used to synthesize a recombinant antifreeze gene, rAFPI. Antifreeze protein was targeted to the apoplast using a Murine leader peptide sequence from the mAb24 light chain or retained in the endoplasmic reticulum using C-terminus KDEL sequence. The coding sequences were placed downstream of the rice Actin promoter and Actin-1 intron and upstream of the nopaline synthase terminator in the plant expression vectors. Transgenic wheat lines were generated through micro projectile bombardment of immature embryos of spring wheat cultivar Seri 82. Levels of antifreeze protein in the transgenic lines without any targeting peptide were low (0.06-0.07%). The apoplast-targeted protein reached a level of 1.61% of total soluble protein, 90% of which was present in the apoplast. ER-retained protein accumulated in the cells at levels up to 0.65% of total soluble proteins. Transgenic wheat line T-8 with apoplast-targeted antifreeze protein exhibited the highest levels of antifreeze activity and provided significant freezing protection even at temperatures as low as -7 degrees C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harjeet K Khanna
- Centre for Systems Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld., 4350, Australia.
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27
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Bagis H, Aktoprakligil D, Mercan HO, Yurdusev N, Turgut G, Sekmen S, Arat S, Cetin S. Stable transmission and transcription of newfoundland ocean pout type III fish antifreeze protein (AFP) gene in transgenic mice and hypothermic storage of transgenic ovary and testis. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:1404-11. [PMID: 16894545 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe the generation of transgenic mice carrying type III fish antifreeze protein (AFP) gene and evaluate whether AFP type III protects transgenic mouse ovaries and testes from hypothermic storage. AFPs exist in many different organisms. In fish, AFPs protect the host from freezing at temperatures below the colligative freezing point by adsorbing to the surface of nucleating ice crystals and inhibiting their growth. The transgenic expression of AFP holds great promise for conferring freeze-resistant plant and animal species. AFP also exhibits a potential for the cryopreservation of tissues and cells. In this study, we have generated 42 founder mice harboring the Newfoundland ocean pout (OP5A) type III AFP transgene and established one transgenic line (the line #6). This study demonstrated that AFP gene construct has been stably transmitted to the mouse progeny in the F3 generations in the line #6. Furthermore, the presence of AFP transcripts was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis on cDNAs from liver, kidney, ovarian, and testis tissues of the mouse from F3 generation in this line. These results indicate that ocean pout type III AFP gene could be integrated and transmitted to the next generation and stably transcribed in transgenic mice. In histological analysis of testis and ovarian tissues of nontransgenic control and AFP transgenic mice it has been shown that both tissues of AFP transgenic mice were protected from hypothermic storage (+4 degrees C). The AFP III transgenic mice obtained for the first time in this study would be useful for investigating the biological functions of AFP in mammalian systems and also its potential role in cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydar Bagis
- TUBITAK, Marmara Research Center (MRC), Research Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (RIGEB), Transgenic Core Facility, Kocaeli, Turkey.
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Margesin R, Neuner G, Storey KB. Cold-loving microbes, plants, and animals--fundamental and applied aspects. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2006; 94:77-99. [PMID: 17039344 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-006-0162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2005] [Revised: 08/11/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms, plants, and animals have successfully colonized cold environments, which represent the majority of the biosphere on Earth. They have evolved special mechanisms to overcome the life-endangering influence of low temperature and to survive freezing. Cold adaptation includes a complex range of structural and functional adaptations at the level of all cellular constituents, such as membranes, proteins, metabolic activity, and mechanisms to avoid the destructive effect of intracellular ice formation. These strategies offer multiple biotechnological applications of cold-adapted organisms and/or their products in various fields. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of microorganisms, plants, and animals to cope with the cold and the resulting biotechnological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Margesin
- Institute of Microbiology, Leopold Franzens University, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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29
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Griffith M, Yaish MWF. Antifreeze proteins in overwintering plants: a tale of two activities. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2004; 9:399-405. [PMID: 15358271 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2004.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins are found in a wide range of overwintering plants where they inhibit the growth and recrystallization of ice that forms in intercellular spaces. Unlike antifreeze proteins found in fish and insects, plant antifreeze proteins have multiple, hydrophilic ice-binding domains. Surprisingly, antifreeze proteins from plants are homologous to pathogenesis-related proteins and also provide protection against psychrophilic pathogens. In winter rye (Secale cereale), antifreeze proteins accumulate in response to cold, short daylength, dehydration and ethylene, but not pathogens. Transferring single genes encoding antifreeze proteins to freezing-sensitive plants lowered their freezing temperatures by approximately 1 degrees C. Genes encoding dual-function plant antifreeze proteins are excellent models for use in evolutionary studies to determine how genes acquire new expression patterns and how proteins acquire new activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Griffith
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo ON, Canada N2L 3G1.
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30
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Thomson J. 3. Genetically modified food crops for improving agricultural practice and their effects on human health. Trends Food Sci Technol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-2244(03)00072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Ice can be anything from a highly destructive agent in agriculture to a useful building material. Established industries are based on the known rules of physics and chemistry which allow some control of amounts of ice or ice crystal geometry. However, organisms have much more subtle requirements to maintain their delicate internal structure if they are to survive freezing. As a result they have selected specific molecules for freezing-point depression, osmotic regulation, ice nucleation and crystal growth inhibition. All these active species may have potential commercial use once they are identified, understood and produced at economic scales. We examine the progress made so far in extending biological subtlety into commercial processes, and look for prospects for further innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Lillford
- Colworth Laboratory, Unilever Research, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1LQ, UK.
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Abstract
Plants are able to survive prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures; this ability is enhanced by pre-exposure to low, but above-zero temperatures. This process, known as cold acclimation, is briefly reviewed from the perception of cold, through transduction of the low-temperature signal to functional analysis of cold-induced gene products. The stresses that freezing of apoplastic water imposes on plant cells is considered and what is understood about the mechanisms that plants use to combat those stresses discussed, with particular emphasis on the role of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Smallwood
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, PO Box 373, University of York, York YO1 5YW, UK.
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Tomczak MM, Hincha DK, Estrada SD, Wolkers WF, Crowe LM, Feeney RE, Tablin F, Crowe JH. A mechanism for stabilization of membranes at low temperatures by an antifreeze protein. Biophys J 2002; 82:874-81. [PMID: 11806929 PMCID: PMC1301896 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(02)75449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polar fish, cold hardy plants, and overwintering insects produce antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which lower the freezing point of solutions noncolligatively and inhibit ice crystal growth. Fish AFPs have been shown to stabilize membranes and cells in vitro during hypothermic storage, probably by interacting with the plasma membrane, but the mechanism of this stabilization has not been clear. We show here that during chilling to nonfreezing temperatures the alpha-helical AFP type I from polar fish inhibits leakage across model membranes containing an unsaturated chloroplast galactolipid. The mechanism involves binding of the AFP to the bilayer, which increases the phase transition temperature of the membranes and alters the molecular packing of the acyl chains. We suggest that this change in acyl chain packing results in the reduced membrane permeability. The data suggest a hydrophobic interaction between the peptide and the bilayer. Further, we suggest that the expression of AFP type I in transgenic plants may be significant for thermal adaptation of chilling-sensitive plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M Tomczak
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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34
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Dunwell JM. Novel food products from genetically modified crop plants: methods and future prospects. Int J Food Sci Technol 2002. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2621.1998.00163.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Holmberg N, Farrés J, Bailey JE, Kallio PT. Targeted expression of a synthetic codon optimized gene, encoding the spruce budworm antifreeze protein, leads to accumulation of antifreeze activity in the apoplasts of transgenic tobacco. Gene 2001; 275:115-24. [PMID: 11574159 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(01)00635-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A synthetic gene based on the primary sequence of the mature spruce budworm antifreeze protein (sbwAFP) was constructed by primer overlap extension. The amino acid codons were chosen to mimic those of a highly expressed tobacco nuclear gene. A DNA sequence encoding the amino-terminal leader sequence from the tobacco pathogen related protein 1b (PR), which targets the protein to the apoplastic space, was fused in frame to the synthetic sbwAFP gene. This fusion was placed downstream of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and upstream of the nopaline synthase terminator in a T-DNA binary vector. Transgenic tobacco lines transcribing PR-sbwAFP were selected by RT-PCR. The apoplastic protein fractions of sbwAFP expressing tobacco lines exhibited enhanced antifreeze activity as demonstrated by the ability to inhibit ice re-crystallization and increased thermal hysteresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Holmberg
- Unilever Research, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1LQ, UK
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Scholthof KB. The chimerical world of agricultural biotechnology: food allergens, labeling, and communication. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2001; 91:524-526. [PMID: 18943939 DOI: 10.1094/phyto.2001.91.6.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Li Z, Xiong F, Lin Q, d'Anjou M, Daugulis AJ, Yang DS, Hew CL. Low-temperature increases the yield of biologically active herring antifreeze protein in Pichia pastoris. Protein Expr Purif 2001; 21:438-45. [PMID: 11281719 DOI: 10.1006/prep.2001.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins and antifreeze glycoproteins are structurally diverse molecules that share a common property in binding to ice crystals and inhibiting ice crystal growth. Type II fish antifreeze protein of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) is unique in its requirement of Ca(2+) for antifreeze activity. In this study, we utilized the secretion vector pGAPZalpha A to express recombinant herring antifreeze protein (WT) and a fusion protein with a C-terminal six-histidine tag (WT-6H) in yeast Pichia pastoris wild-type strain X-33 or protease-deficient strain SMD1168H. Both recombinant proteins were secreted into the culture medium and properly folded and functioned as the native herring antifreeze protein. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that expression at a lower temperature increased the yield of the recombinant protein dramatically, which might be due to the enhanced protein folding pathway, as well as increased cell viability at lower temperature. These data suggested that P. pastoris is a useful system for the production of soluble and biologically active herring antifreeze protein required for structural and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Li
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L5, Canada
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Breton G, Danyluk J, Ouellet F, Sarhan F. Biotechnological applications of plant freezing associated proteins. BIOTECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REVIEW 2001; 6:59-101. [PMID: 11193297 DOI: 10.1016/s1387-2656(00)06019-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Plants use a wide array of proteins to protect themselves against low temperature and freezing conditions. The identification of these freezing tolerance associated proteins and the elucidation of their cryoprotective functions will have important applications in several fields. Genes encoding structural proteins, osmolyte producing enzymes, oxidative stress scavenging enzymes, lipid desaturases and gene regulators have been used to produce transgenic plants. These studies have revealed the potential capacity of different genes to protect against temperature related stresses. In some cases, transgenic plants with significant cold tolerance have been produced. Furthermore, the biochemical characterization of the cold induced antifreeze proteins and dehydrins reveals many applications in the food and the medical industries. These proteins are being considered as food additives to improve the quality and shelf-life of frozen foods, as cryoprotective agents for organ and cell cryopreservation, and as chemical adjuvant in cancer cryosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Breton
- Departement des Sciences biologiques, Universit du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
Extreme environments present a wealth of biochemical adaptations. Thermal hysteresis proteins (THPs) have been found in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, bacteria and fungi and are able to depress the freezing point of water (in the presence of ice crystals) in a non-colligative manner by binding to the surface of nascent ice crystals. The THPs comprise a disparate group of proteins with a variety of tertiary structures and often no common sequence similarities or structural motifs. Different THPs bind to different faces of the ice crystal, and no single mechanism has been proposed to account for THP ice binding affinity and specificity. Experimentally THPs have been used in the cryopreservation of tissues and cells and to induce cold tolerance in freeze susceptible organisms. THPs represent a remarkable example of parallel and convergent evolution with different proteins being adapted for an anti-freeze role.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barrett
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Penglais, Ceredigion SY23 3DA, Aberystwyth, UK.
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Abstract
Fish metabolism needs special enzymes that have maximum activity at very different conditions than their mammalian counterparts. Due to the differences in activity, these enzymes, especially cold-adapted proteases, could be used advantageously for the production of some foods. In addition to the enzymes, this review describes some other unique fish polypeptides such as antifreeze proteins, fluorescent proteins, antitumor peptides, antibiotics, and hormones, that have already been cloned and used in food processing, genetic engineering, medicine, and aquaculture. Recombinant DNA technology, which allows these biological molecules to be cloned and overexpressed in microorganisms is also described, highlighting innovative applications. The expected impact of cloning fish proteins in different fields of technology is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Macouzet
- Department of Food Science, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
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Kenward KD, Brandle J, McPherson J, Davies PL. Type II fish antifreeze protein accumulation in transgenic tobacco does not confer frost resistance. Transgenic Res 1999; 8:105-17. [PMID: 10481310 DOI: 10.1023/a:1008886629825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Type II fish antifreeze protein (AFP) is active in both freezing point depression and the inhibition of ice recrystallization. This extensively disulfide-bonded 14 kDa protein was targeted for accumulation in its pro- and mature forms in the cytosol and apoplast of transgenic tobacco plants. Type II AFP gene constructs under control of a duplicate cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, both with and without a native plant transit peptide sequence, were introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. AFP did not accumulate in the cytosol of transgenic plants, but active AFP was present as 2% the total protein present in the apoplast. Plant-produced AFP was the same size as mature Type II AFP isolated from fish, and was comparable to wild-type AFP in thermal hysteresis activity and its effect on ice crystal morphology. Field trials conducted in late summer on R1 generation transgenic plants showed similar AFP accumulation in plants under field conditions at levels suitable for large-scale production: but no difference in frost resistance was observed between transgenic and wild-type plants during the onset of early fall frosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Kenward
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Kaye C, Neven L, Hofig A, Li QB, Haskell D, Guy C. Characterization of a gene for spinach CAP160 and expression of two spinach cold-acclimation proteins in tobacco. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 116:1367-77. [PMID: 9536054 PMCID: PMC35044 DOI: 10.1104/pp.116.4.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/1997] [Accepted: 12/09/1997] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The cDNA sequence for CAP160, an acidic protein previously linked with cold acclimation in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), was characterized and found to encode a novel acidic protein of 780 amino acids having very limited homology to a pair of Arabidopsis thaliana stress-regulated proteins, rd29A and rd29B. The lack of similarity in the structural organization of the spinach and Arabidopsis genes highlights the absence of a high degree of conservation of this cold-stress gene across taxonomic boundaries. The protein has several unique motifs that may relate to its function during cold stress. Expression of the CAP160 mRNA was increased by low-temperature exposure and water stress in a manner consistent with a probable function during stresses that involve dehydration. The coding sequences for CAP160 and CAP85, another spinach cold-stress protein, were introduced into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) under the control of the 35S promoter using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-based transformation. Tobacco plants expressing the proteins individually or coexpressing both proteins were evaluated for relative freezing-stress tolerance. The killing temperature for 50% of the cells of the transgenic plants was not different from that of the wild-type plants. As determined by a more sensitive time/temperature kinetic study, plants expressing the spinach proteins had slightly lower levels of electrolyte leakage than wild-type plants, indicative of a small reduction of freezing-stress injury. Clearly, the heterologous expression of two cold-stress proteins had no profound influence on stress tolerance, a result that is consistent with the quantitative nature of cold-stress-tolerance traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kaye
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0670, USA
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Duncker BP, Hermans JA, Davies PL, Walker VK. Expression of a cystine-rich fish antifreeze in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster. Transgenic Res 1996; 5:49-55. [PMID: 8589739 DOI: 10.1007/bf01979921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We have used Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for the transgenic expression of cystine-rich Type II antifreeze protein (AFP) from sea raven. This protein was synthesized and secreted into fly haemolymph where it migrated as a larger species (16 kDa) than the mature form of the protein (14 kDa) as judged by immunoblotting. Drosophila-produced Type II AFP demonstrated antifreeze activity both in terms of thermal hysteresis (0.13 degree C) and inhibition of ice recrystallization. Recombinant AFP was purified and N-terminal sequencing revealed a 17 aa extension that began at the predicted signal peptide cleavage point. The expression of all three AFP types in transgenic Drosophila has now been achieved. We conclude that the globular Type II and Type III AFPs are better choices for antifreeze transfer to other organisms than is the more widely used linear Type I AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Duncker
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Hincha DK, Sieg F, Köth H, Schmitt JM, Bakaltcheva I. Chapter 4 Freeze-thaw damage to thylakoid membranes: Specific protection by sugars and proteins. ADVANCES IN LOW-TEMPERATURE BIOLOGY VOLUME 3 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s1873-9792(96)80006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are proteins that have the ability to modify the growth of ice, resulting in the stabilization of ice crystals over a defined temperature range and in the inhibition of the recrystallization of ice. AFPs are found in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates and fish. Moreover, multiple forms of AFPs are synthesized within each organism. As a result, it should be possible to select an AFP with appropriate characteristics and a suitable level of activity for a particular food product. Antifreeze proteins may improve the quality of foods that are eaten while frozen by inhibiting recrystallization and maintaining a smooth texture. In foods that are frozen only for preservation, AFPs may inhibit recrystallization during freezing, storage, transport and thawing, thus preserving food texture by reducing cellular damage and also minimizing the loss of nutrients by reducing drip. Antifreeze proteins are naturally present in many foods consumed as part of the human diet. However, AFPs may be introduced into other food products either by physical processes, such as mixing and soaking, or by gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Griffith
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Kenward KD, Altschuler M, Hildebrand D, Davies PL. Accumulation of type I fish antifreeze protein in transgenic tobacco is cold-specific. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1993; 23:377-85. [PMID: 8219071 DOI: 10.1007/bf00029012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Expression of fish antifreeze protein (AFP) genes in plants is a possible means of increasing their frost resistance and freeze tolerance. Initial work involved transfer into tobacco of an AFP gene from winter flounder which codes for the alanine-rich, alpha-helical Type I AFP. Plants were transformed with a gene construct in which the preproAFP cDNA was inserted between the cauliflower mosaic virus 19S RNA promoter and the nopaline synthetase polyadenylation site. Although transgenic plants produced AFP mRNA, no AFP was detected on western blots. Re-evaluation of AFP expression in these transgenic plants showed that AFP accumulated to detectable levels only after exposure of the plant to cold. Extracts of plants incubated at 4 degrees C for 24 h contained a protein which co-migrated with winter flounder proAFP and was cross-reactive to Type I AFP antisera. Two other minor protein bands of slightly higher apparent M(r) also cross-reacted with the antisera and are thought to represent processing intermediates. The proAFP was unique to the transgenic plants and was absent in extracts taken prior to cold exposure. AFP levels increased over the first 48 h of cold incubation then remained stable. Since the alpha-helix content of Type I AFP has been shown to decrease markedly at warmer temperatures, we postulate that Type I AFP stability in transgenic plants is dependent on its secondary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Kenward
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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49
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Abstract
In this review, changes in plant gene expression in response to environmental stresses are discussed using the examples of high and low temperature treatments. While some changes may contribute to acclimatory processes which improve plant survival or performance under stress, others may be 'shock' responses indicative of sensitivity. The heat-shock response, which is almost ubiquitous among eukaryotic organisms, is characterized by repression of normal cellular protein synthesis mediated at both the transcriptional and the translational level, and induction of heat-shock protein (HSP) synthesis. There is a correlation between HSP synthesis and induced thermotolerance in plants, but the evidence for a causal relationship is not conclusive. The possible biochemical functions of some of the HSPs are now becoming apparent; they are believed to play an important role in preventing accumulation of damaged proteins in the cell during heat shock. Although no other environmental stress elicits the full heat-shock response, certain treatments do induce synthesis of subsets of the HSPs, and the reasons for this are considered. Alterations in gene expression in response to low temperatures are more diverse and usually less dramatic than the heat-shock response, with which they share little, if any, homology. Biochemical adjustments during cold treatment are discussed, with particular reference to those which contribute to acclimation. Several genes whose expression is induced by cold have been cloned and characterized, and in some cases it is possible to attribute in vivo functions to them; they include enzymes of lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, structural proteins and putative cryoprotectants. The use of transgenic plants is further facilitating an investigation of the biochemical factors which are important in cold acclimation. Drought, osmotic stress and abscisic acid induce expression of many of the same genes as does cold treatment; it seems likely that some of the products of these genes contribute to increased freezing tolerance by protecting against intracellular dehydration. Contents Summary 1 I. Introduction 1 II. High temperature stress 3 III. Low temperature stress 10 IV. Concluding remarks 20 Acknowledgements 21 References 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Howarth
- Plant Science Division, AFRC Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth SY23 3EB, UK
| | - Helen J Ougham
- Plant Science Division, AFRC Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth SY23 3EB, UK
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Hincha DK, DeVries AL, Schmitt JM. Cryotoxicity of antifreeze proteins and glycoproteins to spinach thylakoid membranes--comparison with cryotoxic sugar acids. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1993; 1146:258-64. [PMID: 8452860 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(93)90364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We have used thylakoids from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts to test the effects of antifreeze proteins (AFP) from the starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus; AFP-SF) and from the antarctic eel pout (Austrolycichthys brachycephalus; AFP-AB), and antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGP) from the antarctic fish Dissostichus mawsoni on biological membranes during freezing. Freeze-thaw damage, measured as the release of the lumenal protein plastocyanin from the thylakoid vesicles, was strongly increased in the presence of all proteins tested. Measurements of the time dependence of plastocyanin release in a simplified artificial chloroplast stroma medium showed that all the fish proteins increased damage during the initial rapid phase while only AFGP increased plastocyanin release during the linearly time dependent slow phase. A slow plastocyanin release is also seen in the absence of freezing. It is increased by the presence of AFGP and AFP-AB, but not by AFP-SF. In order to distinguish between the contribution of the polypeptide and the carbohydrate part of AFGP on freeze-thaw damage we investigated the effects of galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine. While galactose was protective, N-acetylgalactosamine increased the rate of plastocyanin release in an artificial stroma medium at -20 degrees C. It had no effect on the rapid phase of damage and was also ineffective at 0 degree C. The same was found for several other sugar derivatives (N-acetylglucosamine, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid). From these data we conclude that the increased plastocyanin release during the rapid phase of freeze-thaw damage is a function of the polypeptide part of AFGP. The increased rate of plastocyanin loss at longer incubation times both at 0 degree C and at -20 degrees C may be mediated by the N-acetylgalactosamine moiety of the AFGP, but is strongly amplified by the polypeptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Hincha
- Institut für Pflanzenphysiologie und Mikrobiologie, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
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