Revealing the Cryoprotective Mechanism of Wheat Bran Antifreeze Arabinoxylan on Yeast Viability by Metabolite Profiling and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis

To elucidate the cryoprotective mechanism of wheat bran antifreeze arabinoxylan (AX) on yeast cells, this study investigated its effects on the physiological, metabolic, and genetic stability of yeast subjected to cyclic freeze–thaw cycles. Antifreeze AX inhibited ice crystal growth and interacted with cells to form an external barrier, which preserved cell membrane integrity, inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation, and reduced oxidative damage. Metabolome analysis revealed that AX regulated key metabolic pathways, enhancing cell activity and maintaining homeostasis. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that AX promoted DNA repair and maintained genetic stability. By synergistically inhibiting ice crystal growth, forming physical barriers and regulating metabolic and genetic pathways, antifreeze AX improved yeast cell viability and activity during freeze–thaw cycles, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis under freezing stress. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the practical application of antifreeze AX as an efficient cryoprotectant in yeast cell cryopreservation.