Characterisation of a synthetic Archeal membrane reveals a possible new adaptation route to extreme conditions

Abstract

By studying the properties of a synthetic membrane mimicking an archaeal membrane and containing the apolar polyisoprenoid squalane, Salvador-Castell et al. show that lipid bilayer stability and functionality are shifted to higher temperatures under high pressure. These findings support the view that apolar lipids may constitute an adaptative route to high-temperature tolerance in archaeal hyperthermophiles.