The Antifreeze Protein

Dateline: 08/06/98

Wouldn't it be nice if we had an internal antifreeze? Similar to antifreeze in a car, it could help the body cope with extreme temperatures. It could even slow the degradation process in organs for transplant stored in cold packing material. Hmmm, perhaps it could even help us jumpstart our bodies on those cold mornings.

Researchers at the University of Toronto's Hospital for Children recently announced the discovery of such an antifreeze protein.

The protein was found in a species of arctic fish that have adapted to extremely cold temperatures by using the protein. Scientists are unsure of the exact mechanism, but the protein interacts with ice in a way that makes the fish less sensitive to cold temperatures. This helps the organism to minimize the internal damage caused by the cold temperature.

The researchers are particularly interested in studying the production of the protein, how it interacts in the body of the fish as well as what internal mechanisms regulate its production. Likewise, scientists speculate that there may be a complex biofeedback mechanism for turning the production of the protein on and off.

Though these results are in the early stages of discovery, scientists have already begun to make practical use of the knowledge gathered thus far. They have been able to lower the temperature tolerance of other species of fish and to lengthen the storage time for platelets in the frozen blood supply.

Hopefully, this research will shed light on the complex interactions between proteins, genes, hormones, and environmental conditions. These interactions are not yet completely understood for the protein, but the progress of the research suggests that additional light might be shed on these interactions.

Scientists are optimistic about the possible applications of this protein should it prove harvestable. Not only could the protein be used in organ transplantation but also in such far ranging applications as preventing "frostbite" on fruits and vegetables subject to extreme temperature. More commonly, it could also prevent "freezer burn" in stored food.

What do you think? Could such a protein be a viable means of stopping organ degradation? What other uses might be possible with such a substance? What might the agricultural implications be of designing crops that can grow in a wider spectrum of temperatures? Come over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings.