Salt-Binding Proteins from Halobacterium salinarum Strain NRC-1: A Study of Archaeal Protein-Salt Binding Capabilities and Isolation Techniques
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Caryn Evilia, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
The Great Salt Lake hosts all three domains of life despite the high salt concentration. This, along with the visible pink color, indicates the presence of Halobacterum, an archaeal organism family that thrives in high salinity environments and appears pink due to a high concentration of carotenoids produced by the cell. One mechanism this organism uses for survival in such a harsh environment is the ability to form salt crystals. Currently, the mechanisms that lead to the formation of these crystals are unknown. One potential pathway is a protein present in these cells that has the ability to bind to salt. The aim of this project is to isolate and potentially characterize the protein(s) involved in this salt-binding process. In order to discover a protein that facilitates salt crystal formation, we need to design a technique that would isolate proteins that bind to salt. The next steps are to begin the process of characterizing proteins that were isolated from the salt-binding technique. Through these processes, we hope to characterize a protein that has the ability to bind to the crystalline lattice of sodium chloride, the principal salt in the Great Salt Lake. Understanding the specific capabilities of a salt-binding protein opens several potential real-world applications such as protein-based desalination of sea water as well as environmental and industrial cleanup of salty processes such as pickling.
Salt-Binding Proteins from Halobacterium salinarum Strain NRC-1: A Study of Archaeal Protein-Salt Binding Capabilities and Isolation Techniques
The Great Salt Lake hosts all three domains of life despite the high salt concentration. This, along with the visible pink color, indicates the presence of Halobacterum, an archaeal organism family that thrives in high salinity environments and appears pink due to a high concentration of carotenoids produced by the cell. One mechanism this organism uses for survival in such a harsh environment is the ability to form salt crystals. Currently, the mechanisms that lead to the formation of these crystals are unknown. One potential pathway is a protein present in these cells that has the ability to bind to salt. The aim of this project is to isolate and potentially characterize the protein(s) involved in this salt-binding process. In order to discover a protein that facilitates salt crystal formation, we need to design a technique that would isolate proteins that bind to salt. The next steps are to begin the process of characterizing proteins that were isolated from the salt-binding technique. Through these processes, we hope to characterize a protein that has the ability to bind to the crystalline lattice of sodium chloride, the principal salt in the Great Salt Lake. Understanding the specific capabilities of a salt-binding protein opens several potential real-world applications such as protein-based desalination of sea water as well as environmental and industrial cleanup of salty processes such as pickling.