title: Microbial rhodopsins: wide distribution, rich diversity and great potential.
abstract: One of the major topics in biophysics and physicobiology is to understand and utilize biological functions using various advanced techniques. Taking advantage of the photoreactivity of the seven-transmembrane rhodopsin protein family has been actively investigated by a variety of methods. Rhodopsins serve as models for membrane-embedded proteins, for photoactive proteins and as a fundamental tool for optogenetics, a new technology to control biological activity with light. In this review, we summarize progress of microbial rhodopsin research from the viewpoint of distribution, diversity and potential.
authors: Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Kurihara
authors: Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
authors: Yuki
authors: Y
authors: Sudo
keywords: retinal; rhodopsin; visible light; vitamin-A; π-conjugation