Linear Tetrapyrrole-binding Photoreceptors

Abstract

Because light is not only energy source but also important signal for photosynthetic organisms, these organisms develop highly organized light acclimation processes. Linear tetrapyrrole-binding photoreceptors play central roles in these processes. They are categorized into phytochrome and cyanobacteriochrome families. Here, we summarize current knowledge on these photoreceptor families especially focusing on color-tuning mechanisms of the cyanobacteriochromes. Because these photoreceptors possess many advantages for optogenetic and bio-imaging applications, we briefly introduce current developmental status of these photoreceptors.