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Neofunctionalization of zona pellucida proteins enhances freeze-prevention in the eggs of Antarctic notothenioids

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Listed:
  • Lixue Cao

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University
    Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qiao Huang

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Zhichao Wu

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Dong-dong Cao

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhanling Ma

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Qianghua Xu

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Peng Hu

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Yanxia Fu

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Yu Shen

    (Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jiulin Chan

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Cong-zhao Zhou

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wanying Zhai

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Liangbiao Chen

    (Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University)

Abstract

The mechanisms by which the eggs of the Antarctic notothenioid fishes avoid freezing are not fully understood. Zona pellucida proteins (ZPs) are constituents of the chorion which forms a protective matrix surrounding the egg. Here we report occurrence of freezing temperature-related gene expansion and acquisition of unusual ice melting-promoting (IMP) activity in a family of Antarctic notothenioid ZPs (AnnotoZPs). Members of AnnotoZPs are shown to bind with ice and non-colligatively depress the melting point of a solution in a range of 0.26 to 0.65 °C at a moderate concentration. Eggs of zebrafishes expressing an AnnotoZP transgene show improved melting point depression and enhanced survival in freezing conditions. Mutational analyses in a representative AnnotoZP indicate the ZP domain and patches of acidic residues are essential structures for the IMP activity. AnnotoZPs, therefore, represent a group of macromolecules that prevent freezing by a unique ZP–ice interaction mechanism distinct from the known antifreeze proteins.

Suggested Citation

  • Lixue Cao & Qiao Huang & Zhichao Wu & Dong-dong Cao & Zhanling Ma & Qianghua Xu & Peng Hu & Yanxia Fu & Yu Shen & Jiulin Chan & Cong-zhao Zhou & Wanying Zhai & Liangbiao Chen, 2016. "Neofunctionalization of zona pellucida proteins enhances freeze-prevention in the eggs of Antarctic notothenioids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12987
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12987
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