Amphibian supercooling capacity is not limited to sub-zero thermal environments.

ABSTRACT: Freeze-tolerant amphibians initiate controlled freezing using ice nucleators and survive internal ice formation by accumulating cryoprotectants. In contrast, freeze-avoidant (supercooling) species rely on the inhibition of ice nucleators to prevent freezing altogether. All confirmed supercooling species are native to the Northern Hemisphere and regularly endure negative temperatures. The occurrence, ecological role, and underlying mechanisms of supercooling in amphibians remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that amphibian supercooling capacity may be present even if not expressed (i.e., latent) and not limited to freezing thermal environments. Exploratory metagenomic data allow us to evaluate whether skin-associated bacteria could contribute to freeze avoidance

SUBMITTER: Kok PJR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12623792 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature