Halophiles and their enzymes: negativity put to good use. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DasSarma, Shiladitya; DasSarma, Priya
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in microbiology. Volume 25(2015)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Microbiology -- Periodicals; 579.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-5274

Abstract

Highlights: Halophiles produce stable enzymes that are active under high salt conditions. Halophilic enzymes maintain solvation and solubility in low water activity. Halophiles are valuable for industrial processes in organic solvents and brine. Halophilic processes may be scaled up in absence of strictly sterile conditions. Abstract : Halophilic microorganisms possess stable enzymes that function in very high salinity, an extreme condition that leads to denaturation, aggregation, and precipitation of most other proteins. Genomic and structural analyses have established that the enzymes of halophilic Archaea and many halophilic Bacteria are negatively charged due to an excess of acidic over basic residues, and altered hydrophobicity, which enhance solubility and promote function in low water activity conditions. Here, we provide an update on recent bioinformatic analysis of predicted halophilic proteomes as well as experimental molecular studies on individual halophilic enzymes. Recent efforts on discovery and utilization of halophiles and their enzymes for biotechnology, including biofuel applications are also considered.