The Group 3 LEA proteins of Artemia franciscana for cryopreservation

Late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins are protective proteins that are enriched in the late stage of seed embryo development. LEA proteins play an important role in resisting abiotic stresses such as low temperature and drought. Artemia franciscana is the only animal known to express three different groups of LEA proteins in its life cycle, and the discovery has some applications for the cryopreservation of human cells. In this review, A. franciscana LEA proteins from Group 3 are systematically introduced, and the structure, location, function and application in cryopreservation are highlighted. As a nontoxic and effective cryoprotectant, A. franciscana LEA proteins are expected to provide a new method for cryopreservation of cells.