Microbial Rhodopsins: The Last Two Decades

Microbial rhodopsins are diverse photoreceptive proteins containing a retinal chromophore and are found in all domains of cellular life and are even encoded in genomes of viruses. These rhodopsins make up two families: type 1 rhodopsins and the recently discovered heliorhodopsins. These families have seven transmembrane helices with similar structures but opposing membrane orientation. Microbial rhodopsins participate in a portfolio of light-driven energy and sensory transduction processes. In this review we present data collected over the last two decades about these rhodopsins and describe their diversity, functions, and biological and ecological roles.

Automated summary

Microbial rhodopsins are a diverse group of photoreceptive proteins that are present in all domains of cellular life and even encoded in viral genomes. They are classified into two families: type 1 rhodopsins and heliorhodopsins, both having seven transmembrane helices with similar structures but opposite membrane orientation. These rhodopsins are involved in a variety of light-driven energy and sensory transduction processes.