Isolation and functional expression of the bop gene from Halobiforma lacisalsi

Potential of proton-pumping rhodopsins: engineering photosystems into microorganisms

A wide range of proton-pumping rhodopsins (PPRs) have been discovered in recent years. Using a synthetic biology approach, PPR photosystems with different features can be easily introduced in nonphotosynthetic microbial hosts. PPRs can provide hosts with the ability to harvest light and drive the sustainable production of biochemicals or biofuels. PPRs use light energy to generate an outward proton flux, and the resulting proton motive force can subsequently power cellular processes. Recently, the introduction of PPRs in microbial production hosts has successfully led to light-driven biotechnological conversions. In this review, we discuss relevant features of natural PPRs, evaluate reported biotechnological applications of microbial production hosts equipped with PPRs, and provide an outlook on future developments.

Genome sequence of Halobiforma lacisalsi AJ5, an extremely halophilic archaeon which harbors a bop gene

The draft genome sequence (4,398,155 bp, with 65.35% G+C content) of Halobiforma lacisalsi AJ5, an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt lake, is reported here. This is the first genome report for a species of the Halobiforma genus.