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Baskaran A, Kaari M, Venugopal G, Manikkam R, Joseph J, Bhaskar PV. Anti freeze proteins (Afp): Properties, sources and applications - A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 189:292-305. [PMID: 34419548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Extreme cold marine and freshwater temperatures (below 4 °C) induce massive deterioration to the cell membranes of organisms resulting in the formation of ice crystals, consequently causing organelle damage or cell death. One of the adaptive mechanisms organisms have evolved to thrive in cold environments is the production of antifreeze proteins with the functional capabilities to withstand frigid temperatures. Antifreeze proteins are extensively identified in different cold-tolerant species and they facilitate the persistence of cold-adapted organisms by decreasing the freezing point of their body fluids. Various structurally diverse types of antifreeze proteins detected possess the ability to modify ice crystal growth by thermal hysteresis and ice recrystallization inhibition. The unique properties of antifreeze proteins have made them a promising resource in industry, biomedicine, food storage and cryobiology. This review collates the findings of the various studies carried out in the past and the recent developments observed in the properties, functional mechanisms, classification, distinct sources and the ever-increasing applications of antifreeze proteins. This review also summarizes the possibilities of the way forward to identify new avenues of research on anti-freeze proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abirami Baskaran
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manigundan Kaari
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gopikrishnan Venugopal
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Manikkam
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jerrine Joseph
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Parli V Bhaskar
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Vasco-da-Gama 403804, Goa, India
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Scholl CL, Tsuda S, Graham LA, Davies PL. Crystal waters on the nine polyproline type II helical bundle springtail antifreeze protein from Granisotoma rainieri match the ice lattice. FEBS J 2021; 288:4332-4347. [PMID: 33460499 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A springtail (Collembola) identified as Granisotoma rainieri was collected from snow in Hokkaido, Japan, in late winter when nighttime temperatures were below zero. Extracts of these arthropods showed antifreeze activity by shaping ice crystals and stopping their growth. The glycine-rich proteins responsible for this freezing point depression were isolated by ice-affinity purification and had principal masses of ~ 6.9 and 9.6 kDa. We identified a transcript for a 9.6-kDa component and produced it as a His-tagged recombinant protein for structural analysis. Its crystal structure was solved to a resolution of 1.21 Å and revealed a polyproline type II helical bundle, similar to the six-helix Hypogastrura harveyi AFP, but with nine helices organized into two layers held together by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. One of the layers is flat, regular, and hydrophobic and likely serves as the ice-binding side. Although this surface makes close protein-protein contacts with its symmetry mate in the crystal, it has bound chains of waters present that resemble those on the basal and primary prism planes of ice. Molecular dynamic simulations indicate most of these crystal waters would preferentially occupy these sites if exposed to bulk solvent in the absence of the symmetry mate. These prepositioned waters lend further support to the ice-binding mechanism in which AFPs organize ice-like waters on one surface to adsorb to ice. DATABASES: Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number 7JJV. Transcript data are available in GenBank under accession numbers MT780727, MT780728, MT780729, MT780730, MT780731 and MT985982.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor L Scholl
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sakae Tsuda
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo, Japan
| | - Laurie A Graham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Peter L Davies
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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An Ice-Binding Protein from an Antarctic Ascomycete Is Fine-Tuned to Bind to Specific Water Molecules Located in the Ice Prism Planes. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050759. [PMID: 32414092 PMCID: PMC7277481 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many microbes that survive in cold environments are known to secrete ice-binding proteins (IBPs). The structure–function relationship of these proteins remains unclear. A microbial IBP denoted AnpIBP was recently isolated from a cold-adapted fungus, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus. The present study identified an orbital illumination (prism ring) on a globular single ice crystal when soaked in a solution of fluorescent AnpIBP, suggesting that AnpIBP binds to specific water molecules located in the ice prism planes. In order to examine this unique ice-binding mechanism, we carried out X-ray structural analysis and mutational experiments. It appeared that AnpIBP is made of 6-ladder β-helices with a triangular cross section that accompanies an “ice-like” water network on the ice-binding site. The network, however, does not exist in a defective mutant. AnpIBP has a row of four unique hollows on the IBS, where the distance between the hollows (14.7 Å) is complementary to the oxygen atom spacing of the prism ring. These results suggest the structure of AnpIBP is fine-tuned to merge with the ice–water interface of an ice crystal through its polygonal water network and is then bound to a specific set of water molecules constructing the prism ring to effectively halt the growth of ice.
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Graham LA, Boddington ME, Holmstrup M, Davies PL. Antifreeze protein complements cryoprotective dehydration in the freeze-avoiding springtail Megaphorura arctica. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3047. [PMID: 32080305 PMCID: PMC7033094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The springtail, Megaphorura arctica, is freeze-avoiding and survives sub-zero temperatures by cryoprotective dehydration. At the onset of dehydration there is some supercooling of body fluids, and the danger of inoculative freezing, which would be lethal. To see if the springtails are protected by antifreeze proteins in this pre-equilibrium phase, we examined extracts from cold-acclimated M. arctica and recorded over 3 °C of freezing point depression. Proteins responsible for this antifreeze activity were isolated by ice affinity. They comprise isoforms ranging from 6.5 to 16.9 kDa, with an amino acid composition dominated by glycine (>35 mol%). Tryptic peptide sequences were used to identify the mRNA sequence coding for the smallest isoform. This antifreeze protein sequence has high similarity to one characterized in Hypogastrura harveyi, from a different springtail order. If these two antifreeze proteins are true homologs, we suggest their origin dates back to the Permian glaciations some 300 million years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie A Graham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Marie E Boddington
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Holmstrup
- Section of Terrestrial Ecology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter L Davies
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Vu HM, Pennoyer JE, Ruiz KR, Portmann P, Duman JG. Beetle, Dendroides canadensis, antifreeze proteins increased high temperature survivorship in transgenic fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 112:68-72. [PMID: 30562493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Paradoxically, some insects have an increased capacity to survive higher temperatures in winter than summer. Possible contributors to this increased heat tolerance in winter could be their sub-zero adaptations (high polyol concentrations, antifreeze proteins, antifreeze glycolipids, etc.). To investigate if a sub-zero adaptation can increase organismal high temperature survivorship, we tested transgenic fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, with antifreeze proteins from the fire-colored beetle, Dendroides canadensis (DAFPs). Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster with individual DAFPs-1 and -4 had increased survivorship compared to control flies after 24 h when placed at 35-36.5 °C. The 24 h ULT50 (Upper Lethal Temperature at which 50% mortality occurred) was calculated to be 36.3 °C for DAFP-1 flies, 36.2 °C for DAFP-4 flies, 35.4 °C for wild-type controls, and 34.9 °C for GAL4 controls. The results indicate that DAFPs may have an alternative function in insects and be a contributor in the unexpected phenomenon of increased higher temperature survivorship in winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Vu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - James E Pennoyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Kevin R Ruiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Patricia Portmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - John G Duman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Cid FP, Maruyama F, Murase K, Graether SP, Larama G, Bravo LA, Jorquera MA. Draft genome sequences of bacteria isolated from the Deschampsia antarctica phyllosphere. Extremophiles 2018; 22:537-552. [PMID: 29492666 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-018-1015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genome analyses are being used to characterize plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria living in different plant compartiments. In this context, we have recently isolated bacteria from the phyllosphere of an Antarctic plant (Deschampsia antarctica) showing ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI), an activity related to the presence of antifreeze proteins (AFPs). In this study, the draft genomes of six phyllospheric bacteria showing IRI activity were sequenced and annotated according to their functional gene categories. Genome sizes ranged from 5.6 to 6.3 Mbp, and based on sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA genes, five strains were identified as Pseudomonas and one as Janthinobacterium. Interestingly, most strains showed genes associated with PGP traits, such as nutrient uptake (ammonia assimilation, nitrogen fixing, phosphatases, and organic acid production), bioactive metabolites (indole acetic acid and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase), and antimicrobial compounds (hydrogen cyanide and pyoverdine). In relation with IRI activity, a search of putative AFPs using current bioinformatic tools was also carried out. Despite that genes associated with reported AFPs were not found in these genomes, genes connected to ice-nucleation proteins (InaA) were found in all Pseudomonas strains, but not in the Janthinobacterium strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda P Cid
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Applied Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fumito Maruyama
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- The Japan Science and Technology Agency/Japan International Cooperation Agency, Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (JST/JICA, SATREPS), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Murase
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Steffen P Graether
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Giovanni Larama
- Department of Mathematical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Leon A Bravo
- Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Milko A Jorquera
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
- Applied Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile.
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7
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Kim M, Gwak Y, Jung W, Jin E. Identification and Characterization of an Isoform Antifreeze Protein from the Antarctic Marine Diatom, Chaetoceros neogracile and Suggestion of the Core Region. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15100318. [PMID: 29057803 PMCID: PMC5666426 DOI: 10.3390/md15100318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) protecting the cells against freezing are produced in response to extremely low temperatures in diverse psychrophilic organisms, and they are encoded by multiple gene families. The AFP of Antarctic marine diatom Chaetoceros neogracile is reported in our previous research, but like other microalgae, was considered to probably have additional genes coding AFPs. In this paper, we reported the cloning and characterization of additional AFP gene from C. neogracile (Cn-isoAFP). Cn-isoAFP protein is 74.6% identical to the previously reported Cn-AFP. The promoter sequence of Cn-isoAFP contains environmental stress responsive elements for cold, thermal, and high light conditions. Cn-isoAFP transcription levels increased dramatically when cells were exposed to freezing (−20 °C), thermal (10 °C), or high light (600 μmol photon m−2 s−1) stresses. The thermal hysteresis (TH) activity of recombinant Cn-isoAFP was 0.8 °C at a protein concentration of 5 mg/mL. Results from homology modeling and TH activity analysis of site-directed mutant proteins elucidated AFP mechanism to be a result of flatness of B-face maintained via hydrophobic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjae Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
| | - Yunho Gwak
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
| | - Woongsic Jung
- Division of Polar Life Science, Korea Polar Research Institute, KIOST, Incheon 406-840, Korea.
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
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Vu HM, Duman JG. Upper lethal temperatures in three cold-tolerant insects are higher in winter than in summer. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:2726-2732. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.161331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Upper lethal temperatures (ULTs) of cold-adapted insect species in winter have not been previously examined. We anticipated that as the lower lethal temperatures (LLTs) decreased (by 20–30°C) with the onset of winter, the ULTs would also decrease accordingly. Consequently, given the recent increases in winter freeze–thaw cycles and warmer winters due to climate change, it became of interest to determine whether ambient temperatures during thaws were approaching ULTs during the cold seasons. However, beetle Dendroides canadensis (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae) larvae had higher 24 and 48 h ULT50 (the temperature at which 50% mortality occurred) in winter than in summer. The 24 and 48 h ULT50 for D. canadensis in winter were 40.9 and 38.7°C, respectively. For D. canadensis in summer, the 24 and 48 h ULT50 were 36.7 and 36.4°C. During the transition periods of spring and autumn, the 24 h ULT50 was 37.3 and 38.5°C, respectively. While D. canadensis in winter had a 24 h LT50 range between LLT and ULT of 64°C, the summer range was only 41°C. Additionally, larvae of the beetle Cucujus clavipes clavipes (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) and the cranefly Tipula trivittata (Diptera: Tipulidae) also had higher ULTs in winter than in summer. This unexpected phenomenon of increased temperature survivorship at both lower and higher temperatures in the winter compared with that in the summer has not been previously documented. With the decreased high temperature tolerance as the season progresses from winter to summer, it was observed that environmental temperatures are closest to upper lethal temperatures in spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M. Vu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - John G. Duman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Qadeer S, Khan M, Shahzad Q, Azam A, Ansari M, Rakha B, Ejaz R, Husna A, Duman J, Akhter S. Efficiency of beetle (Dendroides canadensis) recombinant antifreeze protein for buffalo semen freezability and fertility. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1662-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wang C, Oliver EE, Christner BC, Luo BH. Functional Analysis of a Bacterial Antifreeze Protein Indicates a Cooperative Effect between Its Two Ice-Binding Domains. Biochemistry 2016; 55:3975-83. [PMID: 27359086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins make up a class of ice-binding proteins (IBPs) that are possessed and expressed by certain cold-adapted organisms to enhance their freezing tolerance. Here we report the biophysical and functional characterization of an IBP discovered in a bacterium recovered from a deep glacial ice core drilled at Vostok Station, Antarctica (IBPv). Our study showed that the recombinant protein rIBPv exhibited a thermal hysteresis of 2 °C at concentrations of >50 μM, effectively inhibited ice recrystallization, and enhanced bacterial viability during freeze-thaw cycling. Circular dichroism scans indicated that rIBPv mainly consists of β strands, and its denaturing temperature was 53.5 °C. Multiple-sequence alignment of homologous IBPs predicted that IBPv contains two ice-binding domains, a feature unique among known IBPs. To examine functional differences between the IBPv domains, each domain was cloned, expressed, and purified. The second domain (domain B) expressed greater ice binding activity. Data from thermal hysteresis and gel filtration assays supported the idea that the two domains cooperate to achieve a higher ice binding effect by forming heterodimers. However, physical linkage of the domains was not required for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Erin E Oliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Brent C Christner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Bing-Hao Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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Ramya L, Ramakrishnan V. Interaction ofTenebrio MolitorAntifreeze Protein with Ice Crystal: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Mol Inform 2016; 35:268-77. [DOI: 10.1002/minf.201600034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Ramya
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials; SASTRA University; Thanjavur-613401 Tamilnadu India
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Antifreeze proteins govern the precipitation of trehalose in a freezing-avoiding insect at low temperature. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:6683-8. [PMID: 27226297 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601519113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkable adaptive strategies of insects to extreme environments are linked to the biochemical compounds in their body fluids. Trehalose, a versatile sugar molecule, can accumulate to high levels in freeze-tolerant and freeze-avoiding insects, functioning as a cryoprotectant and a supercooling agent. Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), known to protect organisms from freezing by lowering the freezing temperature and deferring the growth of ice, are present at high levels in some freeze-avoiding insects in winter, and yet, paradoxically are found in some freeze-tolerant insects. Here, we report a previously unidentified role for AFPs in effectively inhibiting trehalose precipitation in the hemolymph (or blood) of overwintering beetle larvae. We determine the trehalose level (29.6 ± 0.6 mg/mL) in the larval hemolymph of a beetle, Dendroides canadensis, and demonstrate that the hemolymph AFPs are crucial for inhibiting trehalose crystallization, whereas the presence of trehalose also enhances the antifreeze activity of AFPs. To dissect the molecular mechanism, we examine the molecular recognition between AFP and trehalose crystal interfaces using molecular dynamics simulations. The theory corroborates the experiments and shows preferential strong binding of the AFP to the fast growing surfaces of the sugar crystal. This newly uncovered role for AFPs may help explain the long-speculated role of AFPs in freeze-tolerant species. We propose that the presence of high levels of molecules important for survival but prone to precipitation in poikilotherms (their body temperature can vary considerably) needs a companion mechanism to prevent the precipitation and here present, to our knowledge, the first example. Such a combination of trehalose and AFPs also provides a novel approach for cold protection and for trehalose crystallization inhibition in industrial applications.
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Duman JG. Animal ice-binding (antifreeze) proteins and glycolipids: an overview with emphasis on physiological function. J Exp Biol 2015; 218:1846-55. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.116905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) assist in subzero tolerance of multiple cold-tolerant organisms: animals, plants, fungi, bacteria etc. IBPs include: (1) antifreeze proteins (AFPs) with high thermal hysteresis antifreeze activity; (2) low thermal hysteresis IBPs; and (3) ice-nucleating proteins (INPs). Several structurally different IBPs have evolved, even within related taxa. Proteins that produce thermal hysteresis inhibit freezing by a non-colligative mechanism, whereby they adsorb onto ice crystals or ice-nucleating surfaces and prevent further growth. This lowers the so-called hysteretic freezing point below the normal equilibrium freezing/melting point, producing a difference between the two, termed thermal hysteresis. True AFPs with high thermal hysteresis are found in freeze-avoiding animals (those that must prevent freezing, as they die if frozen) especially marine fish, insects and other terrestrial arthropods where they function to prevent freezing at temperatures below those commonly experienced by the organism. Low thermal hysteresis IBPs are found in freeze-tolerant organisms (those able to survive extracellular freezing), and function to inhibit recrystallization – a potentially damaging process whereby larger ice crystals grow at the expense of smaller ones – and in some cases, prevent lethal propagation of extracellular ice into the cytoplasm. Ice-nucleator proteins inhibit supercooling and induce freezing in the extracellular fluid at high subzero temperatures in many freeze-tolerant species, thereby allowing them to control the location and temperature of ice nucleation, and the rate of ice growth. Numerous nuances to these functions have evolved. Antifreeze glycolipids with significant thermal hysteresis activity were recently identified in insects, frogs and plants.
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Guz N, Toprak U, Dageri A, Oktay Gurkan M, Denlinger DL. Identification of a putative antifreeze protein gene that is highly expressed during preparation for winter in the sunn pest, Eurygaster maura. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 68:30-35. [PMID: 25010548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A cDNA library generated from the fat body of field-collected, diapausing adults of the sunn pest, Eurygaster maura revealed the presence of a transcript that encodes a protein that shares the distinct physiochemical and structural features of an insect antifreeze protein. The transcript, which is most abundant in the midgut, accumulates in adults as they leave the fields in late summer and migrate to surrounding mountainous areas to overwinter. Transcript abundance again declines when adults return to the fields the following spring. This winter pattern of abundance suggests that this protein may be critical for winter survival in the cold regions where the bug enters its obligatory diapause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurper Guz
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Umut Toprak
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asli Dageri
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Oktay Gurkan
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - David L Denlinger
- Departments of Entomology and Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, USA
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15
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Friis DS, Kristiansen E, von Solms N, Ramløv H. Antifreeze activity enhancement by site directed mutagenesis on an antifreeze protein from the beetleRhagium mordax. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1767-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Bildanova LL, Salina EA, Shumny VK. Main properties and evolutionary features of antifreeze proteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1134/s207905971301005x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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A novel function – Thermal protective properties of an antifreeze protein from the summer desert beetle Microdera punctipennis. Cryobiology 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Nickell PK, Sass SJ, Verleye DM, Blumenthal EM, Duman JG. Antifreeze proteins in the primary urine of larvae of the beetle Dendroides canadensis (Latreille). J Exp Biol 2013; 216:1695-703. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.082461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Summary
To avoid freezing while overwintering beneath the bark of fallen trees, Dendroides canadensis (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae) larvae produce a family of antifreeze proteins (DAFPs) that are transcribed in specific tissues and have specific compartmental fates. DAFPs and associated thermal hysteresis activity (THA) have been shown previously in hemolymph and midgut fluid, but the presence of DAFPs has not been explored in primary urine, a potentially important site that can contain endogenous ice nucleating compounds that could induce freezing. A maximum mean thermal hysteresis activity of 2.65±0.33°C was observed in primary urine of winter collected D. canadensis larvae. Thermal hysteresis activity in primary urine increased significantly through autumn, peaked in the winter and decreased through spring to levels of 0.2-0.3°C in summer, in a pattern similar to that of hemolymph and midgut fluid. Thermal hysteresis activity was also found in hindgut fluid and excreted rectal fluid suggesting that these larvae not only concentrate AFPs in the hindgut, but also excrete AFPs from the rectal cavity. Based on dafps isolated from Malpighian tubule epithelia, cDNAs were cloned and sequenced, identifying the presence of transcripts encoding 24 DAFP isoforms. Six of these Malpighian tubule DAFPs were known previously, but 18 are new. We also provide functional evidence that DAFPs can inhibit ice nucleators present in insect primary urine. This is potentially critical because D. canadensis larvae die if frozen, and therefore ice formation in any body fluid, including the urine, would be lethal.
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Kristiansen E, Wilkens C, Vincents B, Friis D, Lorentzen AB, Jenssen H, Løbner-Olesen A, Ramløv H. Hyperactive antifreeze proteins from longhorn beetles: some structural insights. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:1502-1510. [PMID: 23000739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study reports on structural characteristics of hyperactive antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from two species of longhorn beetles. In Rhagium mordax, eight unique mRNAs coding for five different mature AFPs were identified from cold-hardy individuals. These AFPs are apparently homologues to a previously characterized AFP from the closely related species Rhagium inquisitor, and consist of six identifiable repeats of a putative ice binding motif TxTxTxT spaced irregularly apart by segments varying in length from 13 to 20 residues. Circular dichroism spectra show that the AFPs from both species have a high content of β-sheet and low levels of α-helix and random coil. Theoretical predictions of residue-specific secondary structure locate these β-sheets within the putative ice-binding motifs and the central parts of the segments separating them, consistent with an overall β-helical structure with the ice-binding motifs stacked in a β-sheet on one side of the coil. Molecular dynamics models based on these findings show that these AFPs would be energetically stable in a β-helical conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlend Kristiansen
- Institute of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University Center, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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20
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Lauersen KJ, Brown A, Middleton A, Davies PL, Walker VK. Expression and characterization of an antifreeze protein from the perennial rye grass, Lolium perenne. Cryobiology 2011; 62:194-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Lin FH, Davies PL, Graham LA. The Thr- and Ala-rich hyperactive antifreeze protein from inchworm folds as a flat silk-like β-helix. Biochemistry 2011; 50:4467-78. [PMID: 21486083 DOI: 10.1021/bi2003108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inchworm larvae of the pale beauty geometer moth, Campaea perlata, exhibit strong (6.4 °C) freezing point depression activity, indicating the presence of hyperactive antifreeze proteins (AFPs). We have purified two novel Thr- and Ala-rich AFPs from the larvae as small (∼3.5 kDa) and large (∼8.3 kDa) variants and have cloned the cDNA sequences encoding both. They have no homology to known sequences in current BLAST databases. However, these proteins and the newly characterized AFP from the Rhagium inquisitor beetle both contain stretches rich in alternating Thr and Ala residues. On the basis of these repeats, as well as the discontinuities between them, a detailed structural model is proposed for the 8.3 kDa variant. This 88-residue protein is organized into an extended parallel-stranded β-helix with seven strands connected by classic β-turns. The alternating β-strands form two β-sheets with a thin core composed of interdigitating Ala and Ser residues, similar to the thin hydrophobic core proposed for some silks. The putative ice-binding face of the protein has a 4 × 5 regular array of Thr residues and is remarkably flat. In this regard, it resembles the nonhomologous Thr-rich AFPs from other moths and some beetles, which contain two longer rows of Thr in contrast to the five shorter rows in the inchworm protein. Like that of some other hyperactive AFPs, the spacing between these ice-binding Thr residues is a close match to the spacing of oxygen atoms on several planes of ice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Hsu Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Brockbank KGM, Campbell LH, Greene ED, Brockbank MCG, Duman JG. Lessons from nature for preservation of mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2010; 47:210-7. [PMID: 21191664 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-010-9383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The study of mechanisms by which animals tolerate environmental extremes may provide strategies for preservation of living mammalian materials. Animals employ a variety of compounds to enhance their survival, including production of disaccharides, glycerol, and antifreeze compounds. The cryoprotectant glycerol was discovered before its role in amphibian survival. In the last decade, trehalose has made an impact on freezing and drying methods for mammalian cells. Investigation of disaccharides was stimulated by the variety of organisms that tolerate dehydration stress by accumulation of disaccharides. Several methods have been developed for the loading of trehalose into mammalian cells, including inducing membrane lipid-phase transitions, genetically engineered pores, endocytosis, and prolonged cell culture with trehalose. In contrast, the many antifreeze proteins (AFPs) identified in a variety of organisms have had little impact. The first AFPs to be discovered were found in cold water fish; their AFPs have not found a medical application. Insect AFPs function by similar mechanisms, but they are more active and recombinant AFPs may offer the best opportunity for success in medical applications. For example, in contrast to fish AFPs, transgenic organisms expressing insect AFPs exhibit reduced ice nucleation. However, we must remember that nature's survival strategies may include production of AFPs, antifreeze glycolipids, ice nucleators, polyols, disaccharides, depletion of ice nucleators, and partial desiccation in synchrony with the onset of winter. We anticipate that it is only by combining several natural low temperature survival strategies that the full potential benefits for mammalian cell survival and medical applications can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin G M Brockbank
- Cell & Tissue Systems, Inc, 2231 Technical Parkway, Suite A, North Charleston, SC 29401, USA.
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23
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Gwak IG, Jung WS, Kim HJ, Kang SH, Jin E. Antifreeze protein in Antarctic marine diatom, Chaetoceros neogracile. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2010; 12:630-639. [PMID: 20024694 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-009-9250-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The antifreeze protein gene (Cn-AFP) from the Antarctic marine diatom, Chaetoceros neogracile was cloned and characterized. The full-length Cn-AFP cDNA contained an open reading frame of 849 bp and the deduced 282 amino acid peptide chain encodes a 29.2 kDa protein, which includes a signal peptide of 30 amino acids at the N terminus. Both the Cn-AFP coding region with and without the signal sequence were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant Cn-AFPs were shown to display antifreeze activities based on measuring the thermal hysteresis and modified morphology of single ice crystals. Recombinant mature Cn-AFP showed 16-fold higher thermal hysteresis activity than that of pre-mature Cn-AFP at the same concentration. The ice crystal shape changed to an elongated hexagonal shape in the presence of the recombinant mature Cn-AFP, while single ice crystal showed a circular disk shape in absence of Cn-AFP. Northern analysis demonstrated a dramatic accumulation of Cn-AFP transcripts when the cells were subjected to freezing stress. This rapid response to freeze stress, and the antifreeze activity of recombinant Cn-AFPs, indicates that Cn-AFP plays an important role in low temperature adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Gyu Gwak
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, 133-791 Seoul, South Korea
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24
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Lin X, O'Tousa JE, Duman JG. Expression of two self-enhancing antifreeze proteins from the beetle Dendroides canadensis in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:341-349. [PMID: 19931275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Revised: 11/07/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) lower the freezing point of water without affecting the melting point. This difference between melting point and freezing point has been termed thermal hysteresis. Antifreeze protein genes, dafp-1 and/or dafp-4, from the freeze-avoiding insect, Dendroides canadensis, were transferred to Drosophila melanogaster via P-element-mediated transformation. The Northern and Western blots showed expression of DAFP(s) at both transcript and protein levels. The highest thermal hysteresis activity of 6.78+/-0.12 degrees C was detected in 5-day adult flies containing two copies of each of the dafp-1 and dafp-4 genes, while flies with two copies of either dafp-1 or dafp-4 had less activity, 5.52 and 3.24 degrees C, respectively (measured by nanoliter osmometer). This suggests synergistic enhancement of thermal hysteresis activity between DAFP-1 and DAFP-4 in transgenic D. melanogaster containing both DAFPs. Supercooling points without ice in contact with the insects were lowered in all 5 transgenic lines compared with controls, however, when ice was in contact with the flies, supercooling points were lowered only in the heterozygous <DAFP-1>+<DAFP-4> transgenic line. Also, transgenic D. melanogaster exhibited higher survivorship compared with controls when placed at low non-freezing temperatures (0 and 4 degrees C), however, DAFP-1 and DAFP-4 did not display any synergistic enhancement in these non-freezing survival experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, 107 Galvin Life Science Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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25
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Sformo T, Walters K, Jeannet K, Wowk B, Fahy GM, Barnes BM, Duman JG. Deep supercooling, vitrification and limited survival to –100°C in the Alaskan beetle Cucujus clavipes puniceus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) larvae. J Exp Biol 2010; 213:502-9. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.035758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Larvae of the freeze-avoiding beetle Cucujus clavipes puniceus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) in Alaska have mean supercooling points in winter of –35 to –42°C, with the lowest supercooling point recorded for an individual of –58°C. We previously noted that some larvae did not freeze when cooled to –80°C, and we speculated that these larvae vitrified. Here we present evidence through differential scanning calorimetry that C. c. puniceus larvae transition into a glass-like state at temperatures <–58°C and can avoid freezing to at least –150°C. This novel finding adds vitrification to the list of insect overwintering strategies. While overwintering beneath the bark of fallen trees, C. c. puniceus larvae may experience low ambient temperatures of around –40°C (and lower) when microhabitat is un-insulated because of low snow cover. Decreasing temperatures in winter are correlated with loss of body water from summer high levels near 2.0 to winter lows near 0.4 mg mg–1 dry mass and concomitant increases in glycerol concentrations (4–6 mol l–1) and thermal hysteresis. Finally, we provide direct evidence that Cucujus from Wiseman, Alaska, survive temperatures to –100°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Sformo
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - K. Walters
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - K. Jeannet
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - B. Wowk
- 1st Century Medicine, Inc., Fontana, CA, USA
| | - G. M. Fahy
- 1st Century Medicine, Inc., Fontana, CA, USA
| | - B. M. Barnes
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - J. G. Duman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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26
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Wang S, Amornwittawat N, Juwita V, Kao Y, Duman JG, Pascal TA, Goddard WA, Wen X. Arginine, a key residue for the enhancing ability of an antifreeze protein of the beetle Dendroides canadensis. Biochemistry 2009; 48:9696-703. [PMID: 19746966 PMCID: PMC2760095 DOI: 10.1021/bi901283p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) can produce a difference between the nonequilibrium freezing point and the melting point, termed thermal hysteresis (TH). The TH activity of an antifreeze protein (AFP) depends on the specific AFP and its concentration as well as the presence of cosolutes including low molecular mass solutes and/or proteins. We recently identified series of carboxylates and polyols as efficient enhancers for an AFP from the beetle Dendroides canadensis. In this study, we chemically modified DAFP-1 using the arginine-specific reagent 1,2-cyclohexanedione. We demonstrated that 1,2-cyclohexanedione specifically modifies one arginine residue and the modified DAFP-1 loses its enhancing ability completely or partially in the presence of previously identified enhancers. The stronger the enhancement ability of the enhancer on the native DAFP-1, the stronger the enhancement effect of the enhancer on the modified DAFP-1. The weaker enhancers (e.g., glycerol) completely lose their enhancement effect on the modified DAFP-1 due to their inability to compete with 1,2-cyclohexanedione for the arginine residue. Regeneration of the arginine residue using hydroxylamine fully restored the enhancing ability of DAFP-1. These studies indicated that an arginine residue is critical for the enhancing ability of DAFP-1 and the guanidinium group of the arginine residue is important for its interaction with the enhancers, where the general mechanism of arginine-ligand interaction is borne. This work may initiate a complete mechanistic study of the enhancement effect in AFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90032, USA
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27
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Amornwittawat N, Wang S, Duman JG, Wen X. Polycarboxylates enhance beetle antifreeze protein activity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2008; 1784:1942-8. [PMID: 18620083 PMCID: PMC2632549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2008.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Revised: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) lower the noncolligative freezing point of water in the presence of ice below the ice melting point. The temperature difference between the melting point and the noncolligative freezing point is termed thermal hysteresis (TH). The magnitude of the TH depends on the specific activity and the concentration of AFP, and the concentration of enhancers in the solution. Known enhancers are certain low molecular mass molecules and proteins. Here, we investigated a series of polycarboxylates that enhance the TH activity of an AFP from the beetle Dendroides canadensis (DAFP) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Triethylenetetramine-N,N,N',N'',N''',N'''-hexaacetate, the most efficient enhancer identified in this work, can increase the TH of DAFP by nearly 1.5 fold over than that of the published best enhancer, citrate. The Zn(2+) coordinated carboxylate results in loss of the enhancement ability of the carboxylate on antifreeze activity. There is not an additional increase in TH when a weaker enhancer is added to a stronger enhancer solution. These observations suggest that the more carboxylate groups per enhancer molecule the better the efficiency of the enhancer and that the freedom of motion of these molecules is necessary for them to serve as enhancers for AFP. The hydroxyl groups in the enhancer molecules can also positively affect their TH enhancement efficiency, though not as strongly as carboxylate groups. Mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natapol Amornwittawat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Sen Wang
- Molecular Imaging Program, 318 Campus Drive, Clark E 150, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John G. Duman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
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28
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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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29
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How insects survive the cold: molecular mechanisms—a review. J Comp Physiol B 2008; 178:917-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-008-0286-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2008] [Revised: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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30
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Qin W, Doucet D, Tyshenko MG, Walker VK. Transcription of antifreeze protein genes in Choristoneura fumiferana. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2007; 16:423-34. [PMID: 17651234 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2007.00743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are encoded by approximately 17 genes in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Northern analysis using 6 different cDNA probes showed isoform-specific patterns that varied during development. Transcripts for the majority of isoforms were most abundant in the second instar overwintering stage, but some were also detected in first instar and even in egg stages. In situ hybridization using riboprobes corresponding to two 9 kDa protein isoforms showed differential AFP expression even in second instars; CfAFP10 RNA was detected in all tissues, but CfAFP337 RNA distribution was more limited. Two genomic regions encoding three AFP genes have been isolated. Presumptive regulatory regions conferred transcriptional activity when placed upstream of a luciferase reporter sequence and transfected into a C. fumiferana cell line. The CfAFP2.26 core promoter is an 87 bp sequence containing a TATA box, whereas the CfAFP2.7 core promoter is a 76 bp sequence with both a TATA box and CAAT box, which directed higher reporter activities when tested in vitro. Reporter activity was not enhanced with five different hormones, although lower activities were observed with all intron-containing constructs. AFP message half-life, as assessed using reporter assays, was not appreciably influenced by isoform-specific-3'UTRs. These studies successfully demonstrate the temporal and spatial diversity of AFP expression encoded by this small gene family, and underscore the complexity of their regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Qin
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Graham LA, Qin W, Lougheed SC, Davies PL, Walker VK. Evolution of hyperactive, repetitive antifreeze proteins in beetles. J Mol Evol 2007; 64:387-98. [PMID: 17443386 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-005-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2005] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Some organisms that experience subzero temperatures, such as insects, fish, bacteria, and plants, synthesize antifreeze proteins (AFPs) that adsorb to surfaces of nascent ice crystals and inhibit their growth. Although some AFPs are globular and nonrepetitive, the majority are repetitive in both sequence and structure. In addition, they are frequently encoded by tandemly arrayed, multigene families. AFP isoforms from the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, are extremely potent and inhibit ice growth at temperatures below -5 degrees C. They contain a 12-amino acid repeat with the sequence TCTxSxxCxxAx, each of which makes up one coil of the beta-helix structure. TxT motifs are arrayed to form the ice-binding surface in all three known insect AFPs: the homologous AFPs from the two beetles, T. molitor and Dendroides canadensis, and the nonhomologous AFP from the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. In this study, we have obtained the cDNA and genomic sequences of additional T. molitor isoforms. They show variation in the number of repeats (from 6 to 10) which can largely be explained by recombination at various TCT motifs. In addition, phylogenetic comparison of the AFPs from the two beetles suggests that gene loss and amplification may have occurred after the divergence of these species. In contrast to a previous study suggesting that T. molitor genes have undergone positive Darwinian selection (selection for heterogeneity), we propose that the higher than expected ratio of nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitutions might result from selection for higher AT content in the third codon position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie A Graham
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Bar M, Bar-Ziv R, Scherf T, Fass D. Efficient production of a folded and functional, highly disulfide-bonded β-helix antifreeze protein in bacteria. Protein Expr Purif 2006; 48:243-52. [PMID: 16542851 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2006.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2005] [Revised: 01/15/2006] [Accepted: 01/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Tenebrio molitor thermal hysteresis protein has a cysteine content of 19%. This 84-residue protein folds as a compact beta-helix, with eight disulfide bonds buried in its core. Exposed on one face of the protein is an array of threonine residues, which constitutes the ice-binding face. Previous protocols for expression of this protein in recombinant expression systems resulted in inclusion bodies or soluble but largely inactive material. A long and laborious refolding procedure was performed to increase the fraction of active protein and isolate it from inactive fractions. We present a new protocol for production of fully folded and active T. molitor thermal hysteresis protein in bacteria, without the need for in vitro refolding. The protein coding sequence was fused to those of various carrier proteins and expressed at low temperature in a bacterial strain specially suited for production of disulfide-bonded proteins. The product, after a simple and robust purification procedure, was analyzed spectroscopically and functionally and was found to compare favorably to previously published data on refolded protein and protein obtained from its native source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bar
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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33
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Pedersen SA, Kristiansen E, Hansen BH, Andersen RA, Zachariassen KE. Cold hardiness in relation to trace metal stress in the freeze-avoiding beetle Tenebrio molitor. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2006; 52:846-53. [PMID: 16806256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2006.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 05/08/2006] [Accepted: 05/08/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are a family of proteins characterised by their ability to inhibit the growth of ice. These proteins have evolved as a protection against lethal freezing in freeze avoiding species. Metal stress has been shown to reduce the cold hardening in invertebrates, but no study has investigated how this type of stress affects the production of AFPs. This study demonstrates that exposure to cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) reduces the normal developmental increase in AFP levels in Tenebrio molitor larvae reared under summer conditions. Exposure to winter conditions, however stimulated the production of AFPs in the metal exposed larvae, and raised the concentrations of AFPs to normal winter levels. The reduced level of AFPs in metal-stressed animals acclimated to summer conditions seems to arise from alterations in the normal gene expression of AFPs. The results indicate that metal exposure may cause freeze avoiding insects to become more susceptible to lethal freezing, as they enter the winter with lowered levels of AFPs. Such an effect cannot be revealed by ordinary toxicological tests, but may nevertheless be of considerable ecological importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindre A Pedersen
- Department of Biology, Realfagsbygget, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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34
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Qin W, Tyshenko MG, Doucet D, Walker VK. Characterization of antifreeze protein gene expression in summer spruce budworm larvae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 36:210-8. [PMID: 16503482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2005] [Revised: 01/06/2006] [Accepted: 01/19/2006] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Not surprisingly, in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, antifreeze protein (AFP) gene expression is most abundant in the second instar, overwintering stage. However, low level RNA and protein expression was also found in the sixth instar larvae, a summer stage. In situ hybridization further confirmed the presence of AFP mRNA in sixth instar midgut tissues. Sequencing of cDNAs corresponding to "summer-expressed" transcripts revealed an isoform that was not apparent in a cDNA library made to second instar larvae. Although similar to AFP cDNAs obtained from overwintering larvae, this AFP-like isoform (CfAFP6) has two Cys substitutions. Since AFPs from this species fold into a beta-helix that is stabilized by disulfide bonds, it was of interest to determine if this summer-expressed isoform had AFP activity. No thermal hysteresis activity was found when CfAFP6 was cloned and expressed in E. coli, even after in vitro denaturation and refolding. As well, there was no activity detected when the sequence of a known, active isoform was changed to mimic the Cys substitutions in CfAFP6. Since CfAFP6 does not appear to contribute to freeze resistance, its apparent absence in the overwintering second instar should not in itself be considered curious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Qin
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada K7L 3N6
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Qin W, Walker VK. Tenebrio molitor antifreeze protein gene identification and regulation. Gene 2005; 367:142-9. [PMID: 16316726 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2005.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2005] [Revised: 10/03/2005] [Accepted: 10/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, is a freeze susceptible, stored product pest. Its winter survival is facilitated by the accumulation of antifreeze proteins (AFPs), encoded by a small gene family. We have now isolated 11 different AFP genomic clones from 3 genomic libraries. All the clones had a single coding sequence, with no evidence of intervening sequences. Three genomic clones were further characterized. All have putative TATA box sequences upstream of the coding regions and multiple potential poly(A) signal sequences downstream of the coding regions. A TmAFP regulatory region, B1037, conferred transcriptional activity when ligated to a luciferase reporter sequence and after transfection into an insect cell line. A 143 bp core promoter including a TATA box sequence was identified. Its promoter activity was increased 4.4 times by inserting an exotic 245 bp intron into the construct, similar to the enhancement of transgenic expression seen in several other systems. The addition of a duplication of the first 120 bp sequence from the 143 bp core promoter decreased promoter activity by half. Although putative hormonal response sequences were identified, none of the five hormones tested enhanced reporter activity. These studies on the mechanisms of AFP transcriptional control are important for the consideration of any transfer of freeze-resistance phenotypes to beneficial hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Qin
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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36
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Kristiansen E, Ramløv H, Hagen L, Pedersen SA, Andersen RA, Zachariassen KE. Isolation and characterization of hemolymph antifreeze proteins from larvae of the longhorn beetle Rhagium inquisitor (L.). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 142:90-7. [PMID: 15993638 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2005.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2005] [Revised: 06/02/2005] [Accepted: 06/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We describe a simple and effective procedure to isolate antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from the hemolymph of larvae of the longhorn beetle Rhagium inquisitor, and present some characteristics of their structures. Several AFPs were isolated from the hemolymph of this species by heat and acid extraction followed by cation exchange. The hemolymph contains at least six AFPs ranging in size from 12.5 to 12.8 kDa. Of these, three were separated to purity by the ion exchange step, as indicated by mass spectrometry. The remaining three forms were further separated by size exclusion chromatography, but could not be isolated to purity. All AFPs in the hemolymph of this species appears to have isoelectric points above 8.00. The dominant form, RiAFP(H4), was purified by the ion exchange step. Its amino acid composition reveals a lower level of cysteine and a higher level of threonine, arginine, alanine and glycine than seen in other insect AFPs. Its trypsin fingerprint does not match that of any known protein. It interacts with ice both in the anionic and cationic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kristiansen
- Department of Biology, Realfagsbygget, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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37
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Wang L, Duman JG. Antifreeze Proteins of the Beetle Dendroides canadensis Enhance One Another's Activities. Biochemistry 2005; 44:10305-12. [PMID: 16042407 DOI: 10.1021/bi050728y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of the beetle Dendroides canadensis produce a family of 13 antifreeze proteins (DAFPs), four of which are in the hemolymph. Antifreeze proteins lower the noncolligative freezing point of water (in the presence of ice) below the melting point, producing a difference between the freezing and melting points termed thermal hysteresis. This activity (THA) is dependent upon DAFP specific activity, concentration, and the presence of enhancers. Enhancers may be low molecular mass enhancers, such as glycerol, or other proteins. The protein enhancers complex with the DAFPs, thereby blocking a larger surface area of the potential seed ice crystal and consequently lowering the freezing point. A yeast two-hybrid screen was performed using certain hemolymph DAFPs as "bait" in an effort to identify endogenous protein enhancers. Among the positive proteins identified as interacting with the bait DAFPs, and confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation, were other DAFPs. When pure DAFPs were added to one another, those identified by the yeast two-hybrid screen as interacting with one another exhibited a synergistic enhancement of thermal hysteresis activity. In contrast, those DAFPs which the screen indicated did not interact failed to enhance one anothers' activities. DAFPs-1 and -2 interact and enhance one another. Point mutations of one of the interacting DAFPs (DAFP-2) indicated that both of the two amino acid residues that differ between DAFPs-1 and -2 were required for interaction. Glycerol enhanced the THA of the DAFPs only when DAFPs known to interact were present in the test solution. Addition of glycerol to a test solution containing only one DAFP did not produce enhancement. Therefore, glycerol enhances activity by stimulating interactions between DAFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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38
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Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) designate a class of proteins that are able to bind to and inhibit the growth of macromolecular ice. These proteins have been characterized from a variety of organisms. Recently, the structures of AFPs from the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) and the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) have been determined by NMR and X-ray crystallography. Despite nonhomologous sequences, both proteins were shown to consist of beta-helices. We review the structures and dynamics data of these two insect AFPs to bring insight into the structure-function relationship and explore their beta-helical architecture. For the spruce budworm protein, the fold is a left-handed beta-helix with 15 residues per coil. The Tenebrio molitor protein consists of a right-handed beta-helix with 12 residues per coil. Mutagenesis and structural studies show that the insect AFPs present a highly rigid array of threonine residues and bound water molecules that can effectively mimic the ice lattice. Comparisons of the newly determined ryegrass and carrot AFP sequences have led to models suggesting that they might also consist of beta-helices, and indicate that the beta-helix might be used as an AFP structural motif in nonfish organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen P Graether
- CIHR Group in Protein Structure and Function, Department of Biochemistry and Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Graether SP, Gagné SM, Spyracopoulos L, Jia Z, Davies PL, Sykes BD. Spruce budworm antifreeze protein: changes in structure and dynamics at low temperature. J Mol Biol 2003; 327:1155-68. [PMID: 12662938 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2836(03)00235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) prevent the growth of ice, and are used by some organisms that live in sub-zero environments for protection against freezing. All AFPs are thought to function by an adsorption inhibition process. In order to elucidate the ice-binding mechanism, the structures of several AFPs have been determined, and have been shown to consist of different folds. Recently, the first structures of the highly active insect AFPs have been characterized. These proteins have a beta-helix structure, which adds yet another fold to the AFP family. The 90-residue spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) AFP consists of a beta-helix with 15 residues per coil. The structure contains two ranks of aligned threonine residues (known as the TXT motif), which were shown by mutagenesis experiments to be located in the ice-binding face. In our previous NMR study of this AFP at 30 degrees C, we found that the TXT face was not optimally defined because of the broadening of NMR resonances potentially due to weak oligomerization. We present here a structure of spruce budworm AFP determined at 5 degrees C, where this broadening is reduced. In addition, the 1H-15N NMR dynamics of the protein were examined at 30 degrees C and 5 degrees C. The results show that the spruce budworm AFP is more structured at 5 degrees C, and support the general observation that AFPs become more rigid as the temperature is lowered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen P Graether
- Department of Biochemistry, CIHR Group in Structure and Function, University of Alberta, 713, Heritage Medical Research Building, T6G 2H7, Edmonton, Alta., Canada
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40
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Bokesch HR, O'Keefe BR, McKee TC, Pannell LK, Patterson GML, Gardella RS, Sowder RC, Turpin J, Watson K, Buckheit RW, Boyd MR. A potent novel anti-HIV protein from the cultured cyanobacterium Scytonema varium. Biochemistry 2003; 42:2578-84. [PMID: 12614152 DOI: 10.1021/bi0205698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A new anti-HIV protein, scytovirin, was isolated from aqueous extracts of the cultured cyanobacterium Scytonema varium. The protein displayed potent anticytopathic activity against laboratory strains and primary isolates of HIV-1 with EC50 values ranging from 0.3 to 22 nM. Scytovirin binds to viral coat proteins gp120, gp160, and gp41 but not to cellular receptor CD4 or other tested proteins. This unique protein consists of a single 95-amino acid chain with significant internal sequence duplication and 10 cysteines forming five intrachain disulfide bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi R Bokesch
- Molecular Targets Discovery Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA
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Leinala EK, Davies PL, Doucet D, Tyshenko MG, Walker VK, Jia Z. A beta-helical antifreeze protein isoform with increased activity. Structural and functional insights. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:33349-52. [PMID: 12105229 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m205575200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana)(Cf) produces a number of isoforms of its highly active antifreeze protein (CfAFP). Although most of the CfAFP isoforms are in the 9-kDa range, isoforms containing a 30- or 31-amino acid insertion have also been identified. Here we describe the functional and structural analysis of a selected long isoform, CfAFP-501. X-ray crystal structure determination reveals that the 31-amino acid insertion found in CfAFP-501 forms two additional loops within its highly regular beta-helical structure. This effectively extends the area of the two-dimensional Thr array and ice-binding surface of the protein. The larger isoform has 3 times the thermal hysteresis activity of the 9-kDa CfAFP-337. As well, a deletion of the 31-amino acid insertion within CfAFP-501 to form CfAFP-501-Delta-2-loop, results in a protein with reduced activity similar to the shorter CfAFP isoforms. Thus, the enhanced antifreeze activity of CfAFP-501 is directly correlated to the length of its beta-helical structure and hence the size of its ice-binding face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeva K Leinala
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6 Canada
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42
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Duman JG, Serianni AS. The role of endogenous antifreeze protein enhancers in the hemolymph thermal hysteresis activity of the beetle Dendroides canadensis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2002; 48:103-111. [PMID: 12770137 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1910(01)00150-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) lower the freezing point of water by a non-colligative mechanism, but do not lower the melting point, therefore producing a difference between the freezing and melting points termed thermal hysteresis. Thermal hysteresis activity (THA) of AFPs from overwintering larvae of the beetle Dendroides canadensis is dependent upon AFP concentration and the presence of enhancers of THA which may be either other proteins or low molecular mass enhancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contributions of endogenous enhancers in winter D. canadensis hemolymph.Winter hemolymph collected over four successive winters (1997-1998 to 2000-2001) was tested. The first three of these winters were the warmest on record in this area, while December of the final year was the coldest on record. Protein and low molecular mass enhancers raised hemolymph THA 60-97% and 35-55%, respectively, based on hemolymph with peak THA for each year collected over the four successive winters. However, the hemolymph AFPs were not maximally enhanced since addition of the potent enhancer citrate (at non-physiologically high levels) resulted in large increases in THA. (13)NMR showed that glycerol was the only low molecular mass solute present in sufficiently high concentrations in the hemolymph to function as an enhancer. Maximum THA appears to be approximately 8.5 degrees C.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. Duman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 46556, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Doucet D, Tyshenko MG, Davies PL, Walker VK. A family of expressed antifreeze protein genes from the moth, Choristoneura fumiferana. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2002; 269:38-46. [PMID: 11784296 DOI: 10.1046/j.0014-2956.2001.02628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The freeze-intolerant insect, Choristoneura fumiferana (spruce budworm), produces multiple antifreeze protein (AFP) isoforms for protection during the overwintering stage. We now report the cloning of AFP genes from insects; Afp-Lu1 encodes a approximately 9-kDa AFP isoform, and Afp-Iu1 encodes a approximately 12-kDa AFP isoform. Both CfAFP genes have similar structures with a single 3- to 3.6-kb intron interrupting the coding region. The second exon of an additional CfAFP gene, 2.7a, encoding a new approximately 9-kDa isoform, was found 3.7 kb upstream of Afp-Lu1 and demonstrates that some AFP family members are linked in tandem. This gene appears to encode an AFP with 68-76% identity to previously isolated CfAFPs. With its eight Cys residues necessary for disulfide bonding and five perfectly conserved 'Thr button' (Thr-Xaa-Thr) ice-binding motifs, it can be modeled as a functional AFP. Southern blot analysis shows that there are approximately 17 genes in this AFP family, with each of the isoforms represented by two to five gene copies. Transcript accumulation from Afp-Lu1 and Afp-Iu1 (or closely related genes) was maximal during the overwintering stage, while 2.7a transcripts were only detected in first instars, larvae that are normally found only in the summer. Contrary to expectations, this differential expression demonstrates that CfAFP gene family transcripts are primarily regulated during development, rather than by seasonally low temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Doucet
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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44
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Kuiper MJ, Davies PL, Walker VK. A theoretical model of a plant antifreeze protein from Lolium perenne. Biophys J 2001; 81:3560-5. [PMID: 11721016 PMCID: PMC1301810 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(01)75986-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs), found in certain organisms enduring freezing environments, have the ability to inhibit damaging ice crystal growth. Recently, the repetitive primary sequence of the AFP of perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, was reported. This macromolecular antifreeze has high ice recrystallization inhibition activity but relatively low thermal hysteresis activity. We present here a theoretical three-dimensional model of this 118-residue plant protein based on a beta-roll domain with eight loops of 14-15 amino acids. The fold is supported by a conserved valine hydrophobic core and internal asparagine ladders at either end of the roll. Our model, which is the first proposed for a plant AFP, displays two putative, opposite-facing, ice-binding sites with surface complementarity to the prism face of ice. The juxtaposition of the two imperfect ice-binding surfaces suggests an explanation for the protein's inferior thermal hysteresis but superior ice recrystallization inhibition activity and activity when compared with fish and insect AFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Kuiper
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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45
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Abstract
Terrestrial arthropods survive subzero temperatures by becoming either freeze tolerant (survive body fluid freezing) or freeze avoiding (prevent body fluid freezing). Protein ice nucleators (PINs), which limit supercooling and induce freezing, and antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which function to prevent freezing, can have roles in both freeze tolerance and avoidance. Many freeze-tolerant insects produce hemolymph PINs, which induce freezing at high subzero temperatures thereby inhibiting lethal intracellular freezing. Some freeze-tolerant species have AFPs that function as cryoprotectants to prevent freeze damage. Although the mechanism of this cryoprotection is not known, it may involve recrystallization inhibition and perhaps stabilization of the cell membrane. Freeze-avoiding species must prevent inoculative freezing initiated by external ice across the cuticle and extend supercooling abilities. Some insects remove PINs in the winter to promote supercooling, whereas others have selected against surfaces with ice-nucleating abilities on an evolutionary time scale. However, many freeze-avoiding species do have proteins with ice-nucleating activity, and these proteins must be masked in winter. In the beetle Dendroides canadensis, AFPs in the hemolymph and gut inhibit ice nucleators. Also, hemolymph AFPs and those associated with the layer of epidermal cells under the cuticle inhibit inoculative freezing. Two different insect AFPs have been characterized. One type from the beetles D. canadensis and Tenebrio molitor consists of 12- and 13-mer repeating units with disulfide bridges occurring at least every six residues. The spruce budworm AFP lacks regular repeat units. Both have much higher activities than any known AFPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Duman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.
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Doucet D, Tyshenko MG, Kuiper MJ, Graether SP, Sykes BD, Daugulis AJ, Davies PL, Walker VK. Structure-function relationships in spruce budworm antifreeze protein revealed by isoform diversity. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2000; 267:6082-8. [PMID: 10998070 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2000.01694.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, produces antifreeze protein (AFP) to assist in the protection of the overwintering larval stage. AFPs are thought to lower the freezing point of the hemolymph, noncolligatively, by interaction with the surface of ice crystals. Previously, we had identified a cDNA encoding a 9-kDa AFP with 10-30 times the thermal hysteresis activity, on a molar basis, than that shown by fish AFPs. To identify important residues for ice interaction and to investigate the basis for the hyperactivity of the insect AFPs, six new spruce budworm AFP cDNA isoforms were isolated and sequenced. They differ in amino-acid identity as much as 36% from the originally characterized AFP and can be divided into three classes according to the length of their 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). The new isoforms have at least five putative 'Thr-X-Thr' ice-binding motifs and three of the new isoforms encode larger, 12-kDa proteins. These appear to be a result of a 30 amino-acid insertion bearing two additional ice-binding motifs spaced 15 residues apart. Molecular modeling, based on the NMR structure of a short isoform, suggests that the insertion folds into two additional beta-helix loops with their Thr-X-Thr motifs in perfect alignment with the others. The first Thr of the motifs are often substituted by Val, Ile or Arg and a recombinantly expressed isoform with both Val and Arg substitutions, showed wild-type thermal hysteresis activity. The analysis of these AFP isoforms suggests therefore that specific substitutions at the first Thr in the ice binding motif can be tolerated, and have no discernible effect on activity, but the second Thr appears to be conserved. The second Thr is thus likely important for the dynamics of initial ice contact and interaction by these hyperactive antifreezes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Doucet
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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