Antifreeze glycoproteins: structure, conformation, and biological applications.

Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) are a novel class of biologically significant compounds that possess the ability to inhibit the growth of ice both in vitro and in vivo. Any organic compound that possesses the ability to inhibit the growth of ice has many potential medical, industrial, and commercial applications. In an effort to elucidate the molecular mechanism of action, various spectroscopic and physical techniques have been used to investigate the solution conformations of these glycoproteins. This review examines the characterization of AFGPs and potential biological applications relating to stabilization of lipid membranes and vitrification adjuvants.