Structure of an ice-binding protein from myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus determined by molecular dynamics and based on circular dichroism spectra

Abstract

One of the survival strategies evolved by the organisms living in cold ecosystems is production of ice-binding proteins. An important feature of these proteins is to bind to the surface of ice, keep the ice from growing and prevent cells from damage and death. To understand the mechanism underlying interaction between icebinding proteins and ice, it is necessary to know the structure of these extraordinary proteins. This study contributes towards information on the structural and dynamic mechanisms of ice-binding proteins that ensure the adaptation of organisms to extreme conditions. Research on the mechanisms by which ice-binding proteins develop adaptation to cold opens up great opportunities in solving a wide range of interesting problems in medicine, such as the development of effective cryoprotectants for cells and organs, as well as in the food industry, such as long-term food storage without losing nutritional quality at the consumer level.