Protecting Proteins from Desiccation Stress Using Molecular Glasses and Gels

Abstract

Faced with desiccation stress, many organisms deploy strategies to maintain the integrity of their cellular components. Amorphous glassy media composed of small molecular solutes or protein gels present general strategies for protecting against drying. We review these strategies and the proposed molecular mechanisms to explain protein protection in a vitreous matrix under conditions of low hydration. We also describe efforts to exploit similar strategies in technological applications for protecting proteins in dry or highly desiccated states. Finally, we outline open questions and possibilities for future explorations.

Protecting Lyophilized Escherichia coli Adenylate Kinase

“…Our observations yield insight into mechanisms of protection. For instance, all additives elevate T g compared to AdK alone (Table S24), suggesting that vitrification contributes to protection, but, as noted, , the glassy state is not the only factor affecting protection.…”

Introduction: Molecular Crowding

“…Always taking the opportunity of exploring the wide spectrum of topics covered at present by the concept of crowding, Olgenblum et al . focused on a particular type of stress that can be faced by cells: the desiccation stress.…”