Using Antifreeze Proteins for Human Benefit

The potential benefits of using living cells and tissues as therapies for disease and tools for regenerative medicine are huge. But how can they be kept viable and ready for use? Cryopreserving cells and other biological materials, which preserves them by cooling them to very low temperatures, is an intriguing option, but the formation of ice crystals and membrane damage kill unprotected cells. And cryopreservation agents used to protect cells can be toxic to patients. UNH researchers are turning to nature to find a better option.

Many organisms, both plants and animals, can withstand extremely cold environments thanks to antifreeze proteins. Krisztina Varga, associate professor of molecular, cellular, and biomedical sciences, is investigating how antifreeze proteins bind to ice crystals and prevent them from growing within cells. Through her research, Varga seeks to harness the adaptations organisms make to survive the harshest conditions on Earth for practical use and human benefit.

“I’m interested in understanding how organisms can survive extreme environments — like extreme cold, extreme dehydration or extreme heat,” says Varga. “By studying how antifreeze proteins function in nature and other adaptations in cold-hardy organisms, we’re uncovering new applications in medicine and biotechnology that could ultimately benefit regional industries right here in New England. This research will also support local agriculture and forestry by helping to target harmful cold-tolerant pests.”