Improved tolerance to salt and water stress in Drosophila melanogaster cells conferred by late embryogenesis abundant protein

► The protein AfLEA1.3 (A. franciscana) accumulates in mitochondria (D. melanogaster) ► AfLEA1.3 improves mitochondrial functions in presence of high sodium chloride. ► AfLEA1.3 reduces mitochondrial damage during freeze-thawing. ► AfLEA1.3 increases cellular tolerance to osmotic stress. ► AfLEA1.3 increases cellular tolerance to convective drying.