Cold-shock response and cold-shock proteins.

Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes exhibit a cold-shock response upon an abrupt temperature downshift. Cold-shock proteins are synthesized to overcome the deleterious effects of cold shock. CspA, the major cold-shock protein of Escherichia coli, has recently been studied with respect to its structure, function and regulation at the level of transcription, translation and mRNA stability. Homologues of CspA are present in a number of bacteria. Widespread distribution, ancient origin, involvement in the protein translational machinery of the cell and the existence of multiple families in many organisms suggest that these proteins are indispensable for survival during cold-shock acclimation and that they are probably also important for growth under optimal conditions.