Cellular and organellar membrane-associated proteins in haloarchaea: perspectives on the physiological significance and biotechnological applications

Sci China Life Sci. 2012 May;55(5):404-14. doi: 10.1007/s11427-012-4321-z. Epub 2012 May 27.

Abstract

Halophilic archaea (haloarchaea) inhabit hypersaline environments, tolerating extreme salinity, low oxygen and nutrient availability, and in some cases, high pH (soda lakes) and irradiation (saltern ponds). Membrane-associated proteins of haloarchaea, such as surface layer (S-layer) proteins, transporters, retinal proteins, and internal organellar membrane proteins including intracellular gas vesicle proteins and those associated with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules, contribute greatly to their environmental adaptations. This review focuses on these haloarchaeal cellular and organellar membrane-associated proteins, and provides insight into their physiological significance and biotechnological potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Archaeal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Halobacteriales / metabolism*
  • Halobacteriales / physiology
  • Organelles / metabolism*

Substances

  • Archaeal Proteins