Live mammalian cells, such as red blood cells and human stem cells, are essential for the success of many research and medical endeavors. Current methods for the long-term storage of these cells, such as freezing or drying, can decrease cell viability. The disaccharide trehalose could potentially be used to help protect mammalian cells from damage during storage. Trehalose is biosynthesized by many different organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants, which use this sugar as a cellular protectant during freezing temperatures or drying conditions. Trehalose must be delivered to the intracellular environment to effectively protect cells, but mammalian cells do not naturally produce trehalose, and cellular membranes are impermeable to the hydrophilic sugar. To overcome this problem, we have designed and synthesized novel trehalose analogs that are able to enter mammalian cells. We have quantified the presence of intracellular trehalose from Jurkat cells that have been incubated with our analogs. We are currently evaluating other trehalose analogs for their ability to deliver intracellular trehalose into mammalian cells and to protect mammalian cells during freezing conditions. Results from these studies can be used to establish better preservation conditions for the indefinite storage of blood and human stem cells, thus increasing the success of blood transfusions, stem cell therapy, and organ transplantation.

Evaluation of cell-permeable analogs of trehalose for the protection of mammalian cells

251st National Meeting (2016)

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