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Leptosphaeria rhodopsin: bacteriorhodopsin-like proton pump from a eukaryote
Stephen A Waschuk1, Arandi G Bezerra, Lichi Shi
1Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
Summary
Researchers found that a fungal rhodopsin from Leptosphaeria maculans can pump protons using light. This discovery reveals a light-driven proton transporter in eukaryotes, similar to archaea.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Bacteriorhodopsin-like proteins facilitate light-driven proton transport in archaea and eubacteria.
- Eukaryotic rhodopsins were previously known for photosensory roles, not active ion transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of fungal rhodopsins in proton transport.
- To determine if eukaryotic rhodopsins can function as proton pumps.
Main Methods:
- Functional characterization of a fungal rhodopsin from Leptosphaeria maculans.
- Assays to detect light-driven proton translocation across a membrane.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated light-driven proton pumping activity in the fungal rhodopsin.
- Confirmed the presence of a functional retinal-based proton transporter in a eukaryote.
Conclusions:
- Fungal rhodopsins can act as proton transporters, a function previously unobserved in eukaryotes.
- Some lower eukaryotes may utilize light-driven proton gradients, supplementing other bioenergetic pathways.