Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-24-2018

Department

Biology

Abstract

This review compares the molecular strategies employed by anhydrobiotic invertebrates to survive extreme water stress. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play a central role in desiccation tolerance in all species investigated. Various hypotheses about the functions of anhydrobiosisrelated intrinsically disordered (ARID) proteins, including late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) and tardigrade-specific intrinsically disordered proteins, were evaluated by broad sequence characterization. A surprisingly wide range in sequence characteristics including hydropathy and the frequency and distribution of charges was discovered. Interestingly, two clusters of similar proteins were found that potentially correlate with distinct functions. This may indicate two broad groups of ARID proteins, composed of one group that folds into functional conformations during desiccation and a second group that potentially displays functions in the hydrated state. A broad range of physiochemical properties suggest that folding may be induced by factors such as hydration level, molecular crowding, and interactions with binding partners. This plasticity may be required to fine tune the ARID-proteome response at different hydration levels during desiccation. Furthermore, the sequence properties of some LEA proteins share qualities with IDPs known to undergo liquid-liquid phase separations during environmental challenges.

Comments

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article:

Janis, Brett, Clinton Belott, and Michael A. Menze. "Role of Intrinsic Disorder in Animal Desiccation Tolerance." 2018. Proteomics.

which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.201800067. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.

DOI

10.1002/pmic.201800067

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