A protein that saves insects from freezing can aid humans in organ transplant too!  

What do you do when it’s cold outside? You pull up a warm blanket and sip on a hot cup of cocoa, right? What do you think animals do when it gets cold? Their thick skin keeps them warm in the winter, and some choose to hibernate during this time. But what about tiny insects? How do they protect themselves from sub-zero temperatures? Animals and insects have found ways to adapt to nature. One such interesting adaption is that of insects to cold temperatures. Some insects, such as ants and the Upis beetle, can protect themselves from freezing temperatures via a protein known as anti-freeze! Research is on globally to create a substance that mimics antifreeze, which, if successful can be a boon for humanity.  

Decoding antifreeze! 
Simply put, antifreeze is a protein that involves exactly what its name implies: Lowering the temperature at which water freezes. When it gets colder, ice crystals start forming on the body of insects and can even freeze their blood. The antifreeze protein, built into their bodies, prevents this from happening. These proteins are activated when there is a threat of ice crystal formation.  

Antifreeze in insects 
Antifreeze proteins are primarily found in fish and insects thriving in the Arctic region. Well, these proteins have been found in insects of other regions too. Have you ever wondered how snow fleas survive in such harsh conditions? They can be seen searching for food in the melted snow, but how are they not freezing to death? It’s because of the antifreeze proteins circulating in their blood. Snow fleas eat organic matter like leaves. They struggle to find food when trees are covered in snow, which is why they have adapted to nature and have evolved to synthesise antifreeze proteins. This allows them to eat leaf litter even when the weather is bad. 

The Upis beetle is another insect with proteins that prevent ice crystal formation on their body. They have also learned to adjust to their surroundings. During the winter, these beetles burrow into the crevices of trees or the ground. Upis beetles are well-known for their ability to survive in sub-zero temperatures, and now you know why! 

Discovering the protein 
How do you think this intricate and fascinating example of evolution was discovered? Well, Professor Arthur DeVries, a biology professor from the University of Illinois, US, was the first to discover the antifreeze protein. He discovered the incredible antifreeze protein while working on polar fish in the Antarctic research base in the 1960s. As part of his study, he refrigerated two types of fish: Deep water and shallow water. The deep-water fishes quickly died in the refrigerator in presence of salt water formed iced. On the other hand, fish caught in shallow water survived in the presence of ice! He became intrigued by the fish’s peculiar behaviour and wondered why. After years of hard work, he discovered antifreeze proteins—the defenders of extreme weather in early 1960s! 

Can it be a boon for humanity?  
The discovery of antifreeze proteins ushered in an entirely new field of study. Laboratories worldwide are now studying these proteins and attempting to mimic their properties. Scientists are also attempting to increase the antifreeze ability of the substance beyond its original potential. If successful, antifreeze substances could be used in organ transportation and food storage. Isn’t it amazing how a tiny insect’s biological substance can be beneficial for the humans. Only time will tell how many innovations antifreeze protein may fuel.