Protecting Proteins from Desiccation Stress Using Molecular Glasses and Gels.

Gary J Pielak, Daniel Harries, Gil I Olgenblum, Brent O Hutcheson

Journal: Chemical reviews 2024;124(9):5668-5694

PMID: 38635951

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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.

Address: Institute of Chemistry, Fritz Haber Research Center, and The Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.; Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.; Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.; Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Integrated Program for Biological & Genome Sciences, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00752

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MeSH Terms: Desiccation, Proteins, Gels, Glass, Humans, Water