서강대학교

초록 (요약문)

Artificial organelles that mimic photosynthetic chloroplasts have been extensively studied, primarily using microbial rhodopsins to generate energy through light-mediated processes. In this study, we developed artificial organelles capable of functioning in extreme environments by utilizing a novel microbial rhodopsin, tara76 rhodopsin. The tara76 rhodopsin is more stable at extreme pH and temperature environments than other rhodopsins and has higher proton pumping efficiency than bacteriarhodopsin (bR) and proteorhodopsin (PR), which were commonly used in previous research. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) reconstructed with tara76 rhodopsins by the detergent-mediated method were created. To confirm the activity of tara76 rhodopsin within the artificial organelles, the proton-pumping efficiency was measured by monitoring pH changes using the pH-sensitive dye, carboxyl SNARF-1. This artificial organelle model provides an optimal approach for reconstructing various proteins within artificial organelle models and enables the development of biomimetic lipid systems. Furthermore, utilizing this artificial organelle for understanding photosynthesis will offer insight into the origin of life and various applications in energy research in artificial cell.