Structural and Functional Insights into the Cryoprotection of Membranes by the Intrinsically Disordered Dehydrins

Background: Genetic evidence supports a protective role for plant dehydrins against drought and cold. Results: Dehydrins prevent membrane fusion and lower the transition temperature without altering membrane accessibility and fluidity. Conclusion: The lysine-rich segments are important for protecting membranes from freeze-thaw damage. Significance: An amphipathic helix with positively charged residues flanking the hydrophobic face may be a common motif for disordered stress proteins.