The growing family of photoactive yellow proteins and their presumed functional roles.

For several years following the discovery and characterization of the first PYP, from Halorhodospira halophila, it was thought that this photoactive protein was quite unique, notwithstanding the isolation of two additional examples in rapid succession. Mainly because of genomic and metagenomic analyses, we have now learned that more than 140 PYP genes occur in a wide variety of bacteria and metabolic niches although the protein has not been isolated in most cases. The amino acid sequences and physical properties permit their organization into at least seven groups that are also likely to be functionally distinct. Based upon action spectra and the wavelength of maximum absorbance, it was speculated nearly 20 years ago but never proven that Hr. halophila PYP was involved in phototaxis. Nevertheless, in only one instance has the functional role and interaction partner for a PYP been experimentally proven, in Rs. centenum Ppr. Genetic context is one of several types of evidence indicating that PYP is potentially involved in a number of diverse functional roles. The interaction with other sensors to modulate their activity stands out as the single most prominent role for PYP. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the evidence for the functional roles and interaction partners for some 26 of the 35 named species of PYP, which should be considered the basis for further focused molecular and biochemical research.