A cold-regulated Arabidopsis gene encodes a polypeptide having potent cryoprotective activity.
We previously showed that cor15, a cold-regulated gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, encodes a 15 kDa polypeptide designated COR15. Here we report that COR15 has potent cryoprotective activity in an in vitro cryoprotection assay. Specifically, COR15 was very effective in protecting the cold-labile enzyme lactate dehydrogenase against freeze-inactivation; on a concentration basis, it was about 10(6) times more effective than sucrose and 10(2)-10(3) times more effective than other proteins including bovine serum albumin. The possible role of cor15 in cold acclimation is discussed.
Lin
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Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1325.
Thomashow
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MF
D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000187:drug effects; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011489:Protein Denaturation; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; D010940:Plant Proteins; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase