抄録
Compatible solute accumulation is a frequent strategy adopted by halophiles to face fluctuations in the water activity of the environment. Among the thermophiles and hyperthermophiles that are also halotolerant or moderately halophilic, compatible solute accumulation takes place not only as an osmoregulatory mechanism, but also as a response to heat stress. Compatible solutes from hyperthermophiles have particular features, like their overall charge, that distinguishes them from solutes of mesophiles, and their role as structural protectants against heat has been often suggested. Here, we describe an overview of our knowledge on compatible solutes accumulated by (hyper) thermophiles, along with their biosynthetic routes, protein stabilizing effects and potential biotechnological applications.
