Mechanism of antifreeze proteins action, based on Hierarchic theory of water and new ''clusterphilic'' interaction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Hierarchic theory of water and proposes a new 'clusterphilic' interaction mechanism to explain how antifreeze proteins influence water's freezing point, supported by computer simulations and literature review.

Contribution

It presents a novel Hierarchic theory applicable to water and solids, introduces the concept of clusterphilic interactions, and proposes a new mechanism for antifreeze proteins action.

Findings

New clusterphilic interactions between water and macromolecules.

Proposed mechanism of antifreeze proteins affecting water freezing point.

Supported by computer simulations and literature analysis.

Abstract

A basically new Hierarchic theory, general for solids and liquids (Kaivarainen, 2001, 2000, 1995, 1992), has been briefly described and illustrated by computer simulations on examples of water and ice. Full description of theory and its numerous applications are presented in series of articles at the arXiv of Los-Alamos (see http://arXiv.org/abs/physics/0102086). New clusterphilic interactions, intermediate between hydrophilic and hydrphobic, are introduced. They can be subdivided into: intramolecular - when water cluster is localized in the ''open'' states of big interdomain or intersubunit cavities and intermolecular clusterphilic interactions. Intermolecular clusterphilic interactions can be induced by very different macromolecules. The latter displays themselves in bordering of water cluster by macromolecules and forming so-called ''clustrons''. Clusterphilic interactions can play an important role in self-organization of biosystems, especially multiglobular allosteric enzymes, microtubules and the actin filaments. The selected review of literature, devoted to antifreeze proteins (AFP) and ice-nucleation proteins (INP) interaction with water is presented. Corresponding experimental results were analyzed on the base of Hierarchic theory. The possible mechanism of cryoproteins influence on water, changing its freezing point has been proposed. The consequences of new model of AFP action and ways of its experimental verification are described also.