Trehalose metabolism--new horizons in technological applications.

Trehalose is responsible for the survival of anhydrobiotic organisms when under stress. Trehalose is a unique, non-reducing, extremely stable disaccharide which is able to protect proteins and membranes from damage caused by freezing, high temperatures and dehydration. Yeasts accumulate large amounts of trehalose and constitute excellent models for studying the response of eucaryotic cells to diverse stresses. The regulation of trehalose metabolism is reviewed and new technological applications for preservation of biological materials are discussed.