(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,252,985 B2 Cheng Et Al

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,252,985 B2 Cheng Et Al US007252985B2 (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,252,985 B2 Cheng et al. (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 7, 2007 (54) CAROTENOID KETOLASES Echinenone in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803*, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 272(15):9728-9733, 1997. (75) Inventors: Qiong Cheng, Wilmington, DE (US); Norihiko Misawa et al., Metabolic engineering for the production of Luan Tao, Claymont, DE (US); Henry carotenoids in non-carotenogenic bacteria and yeasts, J. of Biotech., Yao, Boothwyn, PA (US) vol. 59:169-181, 1998. National Center for Biotechnology Information General Identifier (73) Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and No. 5912291, Accession No. Y 15112, Sep. 15, 1999, M. Harker et Company, Wilmington, DE (US) al., Carotenoid biosynthesis genes in the bacterium Paracoccus narcusii MH1. National Center for Biotechnology Information General Identifier (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this No. 2654317. Accession No. X86782, Sep. 9, 2004, M. Harker et patent is extended or adjusted under 35 al., Biosynthesis of ketocarotenoids in transgenic cyanobacteria U.S.C. 154(b) by 326 days. expressing the algal gene for beta-C-4-oxygenase, crtO. National Center for Biotechnology Information General Identifier (21) Appl. No.: 11/015,433 No. 903298, Accession No. D58422, N. Misawa et al., Canthaxanthin biosynthesis by the conversion of methylene to keto (22) Filed: Dec. 17, 2004 groups in a hydrocarbon beta-carotene by a single gene Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 209(3), 867-876 (1995). (65) Prior Publication Data National Center for Biotechnology Information General Identifier No. 61629280, Accession No. D58420, N. Misawa et al., US 2005/0227311 A1 Oct. 13, 2005 Canthaxanthin biosynthesis by the conversion of methylene to keto groups in a hydrocarbon beta-carotene by a single gene Biochem. Related U.S. Application Data Biophys. Res. Commun. 209(3), 867-876 (1995). (60) Provisional application No. 60/531,310, filed on Dec. National Center for Biotechnology Information General Identifier 19, 2003. No. 1136838, Accession No. D45881, Feb. 10, 1999, S. Kajiwara et al., Isolation and functional identification of a novel cDNA for (51) Int. Cl. astaxanthin biosynthesis from Haematococcus pluvialis, and CI2N L/20 (2006.01) astaxanthin synthesis in Escherichia coli. CI2N 9/02 (2006.01) National Center for Biotechnology Information General Identifier No. 8650414, Accession No. AF2 18415, L. Hannibal et al., Isolation C07H 2L/04 (2006.01) and characterization of canthaxanthin biosynthesis genes from the (52) U.S. Cl. ................ 435/252.3; 435/189: 435/320.1; photosynthetic bacterium Bradyrhizobium sp. strain ORS278 J. 435/148; 435/410; 435/254.3:435/255.2: Bacteriol. 182(13), 3850-3853 (2000). 435/255.5; 536/23.2 H. J. Nelis et al., Principal carotenoids permitted as additives in (58) Field of Classification Search ............. 435/252.3, foods and feeds, J. of Applied Bacteriology, vol.70:181-191, 1991. 435/189,148,410, 254.3, 255.2, 255.5; 536/23.2 Laure Hannibal et al., Isolation and Characterization of See application file for complete search history. Canthaxanthin Biosynthesis Genes from the Photosynthetic Bacte rium Bradyrhizobium sp. Strain ORS278, J. of Bacteriology, vol. (56) References Cited 182(13):3850-3853, Jul. 2000. U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS Primary Examiner Tekchand Saidha 6,150,130 A 11/2000 Misawa et al. 6,551,807 B1 4/2003 Cunningham (57) ABSTRACT 2003/0O87337 A1 5, 2003 Giraud et al. Novel CrtW carotenoid ketolase are provided that are useful FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS for the production of ketocarotenoids. The ketolases genes WO WO O2/O79395 A2 10, 2002 of the present invention exhibit low homology in compari son to other CrtW ketolases previously reported. Expression OTHER PUBLICATIONS of the carotenoid ketolases in heterologous hosts enabled production of canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. Coexpression Takakazu Kaneko et al., Complete Genomic Sequence of the experiments using divergent crtW genes resulted in Filamentous Nitrogen-fixing Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120, DNA Research, vol. 8:205-213, 2001. increased production of the desired ketocarotenoids. Blanca Fernandez-Gonzalez et al., A New Type of Asymmetrically Acting beta-Carotene Ketolase Is Required for the Synthesis of 10 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets U.S. Patent US 7,252,985 B2 IQun??Ht—ausdoosK U.S. Patent Aug. 7, 2007 Sheet 2 of 7 US 7,252,985 B2 E so e AZS ---so st t s 3 3 3 GEO st 2 re s 5 3 S 3 U.S. Patent Aug. 7 9 2007 Sheet 3 of 7 US 7,252,985 B2 8| qZ9.InãIH 627 -s 09 U.S. Patent Aug. 7, 2007 Sheet S of 7 US 7,252,985 B2 Figure 3 Dao D, Sigelos Reiss50.5 (112403217-0701.D. 2000 - DC18 CritW 1soo! co so fait d, sig-arts ref=6505 i2a32G2ai04.D) DC263 CritW 2.5 s 5 12.5 s 7.5 Ap1d, sig=4705 Ref=650,5112403205-soid) So K1-202C CtW s O 15 s S. U.S. Patent Aug. 7, 2007 Sheet 6 of 7 US 7,252,985 B2 Figure 4 dio, Sig=4705 Ref=850,5(11 1703LT001-0101 o A. : 500 - 10G(pDCQ335) 10G(pDCQ335) -- DC263 CritW 10G(pDCQ335) +K1-202C crtW U.S. Patent Aug. 7, 2007 Sheet 7 of 7 US 7,252,985 B2 Figure 5 MWM1200(pDCQ340) Alu A, Sigel-ou,s resolub Lutuq Nstuz-uzu.Lu MWM1200(pDCQ341) DAD B, Sig=47 U.5 Ref=8505 (030204 SSG TUC04.D) --- mAU 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 US 7,252,985 B2 1. 2 CAROTENOID KETOLASES the CrtOketolase enzyme from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 adds a keto-group asymmetrically to only one of the two This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional B-ionone rings of B-carotene. Application No. 60/531,310, filed Dec. 19, 2003. Several examples of CrtW ketolases have been reported in variety of bacteria including Agrobacterium aurantiacum FIELD OF THE INVENTION (U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130), Bradyrhizobium sp. (U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030087337), and Brevundimonas auran This invention is in the field of microbiology and molecu tiacum (WO 02/079395). However, there is a need to lar biology. More specifically, this invention pertains to identify additional novel CrtW ketolase genes useful for nucleic acid fragments encoding enzymes useful for micro 10 genetically engineering industrially suitable microorganisms bial production of cyclic ketocarotenoid compounds. for the production of valuable ketocarotenoids, such as canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. Additionally, there is a par BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ticularly important need to identify CrtW type ketolases having relatively low to moderate sequence homology (i.e. Carotenoids are pigments that are ubiquitous throughout 15 <65% nucleotide sequence identity) as coexpression of nature and synthesized by all photosynthetic organisms, and highly homologous genes tends to result genetic instability in some heterotrophic growing bacteria and fungi. Caro (i.e. undesirable homologous recombination). Expressing tenoids provide color for flowers, vegetables, insects, fish crtW genes having relatively low to moderate sequence and birds. Colors of carotenoid range from yellow to red homology should decrease the probability of genetic insta with variations of brown and purple. As precursors of bility normally associated with expression of highly vitamin A, carotenoids are fundamental components in our homologous genes. This is particularly important when diet and they play additional important role in human health. developing genetically-stable commercial strains for opti Because animals are unable to synthesize carotenoid de mal production of the desired product (i.e. ketocarotenoids). novo, they must obtain them by dietary means. Thus, CrtW genes having divergent nucleotide sequences are manipulation of carotenoid production and composition in 25 most suitable for expressing multiple ketolases in a single plants or bacteria can provide new or improved source for recombinant host cell. This is especially important when carotenoids. Industrial uses of carotenoids include pharma ketolase activity becomes the rate-limiting step in the keto ceuticals, food supplements, animal feed additives, and carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Increasing the number of colorants in cosmetics, to mention a few. crtW genes that can be simultaneously expressed in the Industrially, only a few carotenoids are used for food 30 production host is expected to increase ketocarotenoid pro colors, animal feeds, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, duction, assuming that the pool of available substrates is not despite the existence of more than 600 different carotenoids limiting. identified in nature. This is largely due to difficulties in Additionally, CrtW ketolases tend to exhibit substrate production. Presently, most of the carotenoids used for flexibility. However, it can be envisioned that different CrtW industrial purposes are produced by chemical synthesis: 35 ketolases may exhibit preferential activity towards one or however, these compounds are very difficult to make chemi more possible substrates (i.e. f6-caroteine versus zeaxanthin). cally (Nelis and Leenheer, Appl. Bacteriol. 70:181-191 Simultaneous expression of multiple CrtW ketolases, each (1991)). Natural carotenoids can either be obtained by selected based on their preferred substrate, may be used for extraction of plant material or by microbial synthesis; but, optimal production of a desired ketocarotenoid. One of skill only a few plants are widely used for commercial carotenoid 40 in the art may optimize production of the desired ketocaro production and the productivity of carotenoid synthesis in tenoid end product by analyzing the available substrate pool these plants is relatively low. As a result, carotenoids pro within the desired host cell, selectively expressing an appro duced from these plants are very expensive. One way to priate combination of ketolases for optimal production of the increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis would be to desired ketocarotenoid. apply recombinant DNA technology (reviewed in Misawa 45 The problem to be solved therefore is to identify and and Shimada, J. Biotech., 59:169-181 (1998)).
Recommended publications
  • The Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Potential ABA-Like Analogues: Prospective Substrates to Control Berry Ripening of Wine Grapes
    The Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Potential ABA-Like Analogues: Prospective Substrates to Control Berry Ripening of Wine Grapes. A thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Ruyi Li BSc (Bio-Eng), MSc (Vit./Oen.) Northwest A&F University The University of Adelaide School of Agriculture, Food and Wine July 2012 Table of Contents Abstract........................................................................................................................... iii Declaration...................................................................................................................... vi Acknowledgements......................................................................................................... vii Abbreviations.................................................................................................................. ix Figures, Schemes and Tables......................................................................................... xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................ 1 1.1 General Introduction................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Carotenoids................................................................................................................. 3 1.2.1 Definition, types and identification of carotenoids................................................. 3 1.2.2 Factors influencing the concentration of carotenoids
    [Show full text]
  • Effect of Phenol on Β-Carotene Content in Total Carotenoids Production in Cultivation of Rhodotorula Glutinis
    Korean J. Chem. Eng., 21(3), 689-692 (2004) Effect of Phenol on β-Carotene Content in Total Carotenoids Production in Cultivation of Rhodotorula glutinis Bong Kyun Kim*, Pyoung Kyu Park, Hee Jeong Chae** and Eui Yong Kim† Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 130-743, Korea *R&D Center, SEMO Co. Ltd., Incheon 558-10, Korea **Department of Food and Biotechnology, and Department of Innovative Industrial Technology, Graduate School of Venture, Hoseo University, Asan 336-795, Korea (Received 28 November 2003 • accepted 18 December 2003) Abstract−The composition of carotenoids produced by R. glutinis was observed to be dependent upon the addition of phenol into medium. A stimulatory effect of phenol on β-carotene of Rhodotorula glutins K-501 grown on glucose was investigated. Carotenoids produced by Rhodotorula glutinis K-501 were identified to torularhodin, torulene and β-carotene, whose composition was 79.5%, 6.4% and 14.1%, respectively. The β-carotene content increased up to 35% when phenol was added to culture media at 500 ppm. The ratio of torularhodin decreased with increasing phenol con- centration, while torulene content was almost constant. Key words: Phenol, β-Carotene, Carotenogenic Ratio, Rhodotorula glutinis INTRODUCTION Sporobolomyces, produce a variety of carotenoids that have a broad region of light absorption of 450-550 nm so that the culture broth Carotenoids are liposoluble tetraterpenes, usually red or yellow, has a colored appearance [Girad et al., 1994; Walker et al., 1973]. and are one of the most important families of natural pigments. These The fermentation conditions, such as cultivation temperature [Nelis pigments have several conjugated double bonds that act as chro- and Deleenheer, 1991], lightening [Meyer et al., 1994], induced sub- mophores and thus absorb light in the visible region, which gives stances [Schroeder et al., 1993, 1995], and inhibitors [Girad et al., them their strong coloration properties.
    [Show full text]
  • Biosynthesis of Abscisic Acid by the Direct Pathway Via Ionylideneethane in a Fungus, Cercospora Cruenta
    Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 68 (12), 2571–2580, 2004 Biosynthesis of Abscisic Acid by the Direct Pathway via Ionylideneethane in a Fungus, Cercospora cruenta y Masahiro INOMATA,1 Nobuhiro HIRAI,2; Ryuji YOSHIDA,3 and Hajime OHIGASHI1 1Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan 2International Innovation Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan 3Department of Agriculture Technology, Toyama Prefectural University, Toyama 939-0311, Japan Received August 11, 2004; Accepted September 12, 2004 We examined the biosynthetic pathway of abscisic Key words: Cercospora cruenta; abscisic acid; allofar- acid (ABA) after isopentenyl diphosphate in a fungus, nesene; -ionylideneethane; all-E-7,8-dihy- Cercospora cruenta. All oxygen atoms at C-1, -1, -10, and dro- -carotene -40 of ABA produced by this fungus were labeled with 18 18 O from O2. The fungus did not produce the 9Z- A sesquiterpenoid, abscisic acid (ABA, 1), is a plant carotenoid possessing -ring that is likely a precursor hormone which regulates seed dormancy and induces for the carotenoid pathway, but produced new sesqui- dehydration tolerance by reducing the stomatal aper- terpenoids, 2E,4E- -ionylideneethane and 2Z,4E- -ion- ture.1) ABA is biosynthesized by some phytopathogenic ylideneethane, along with 2E,4E,6E-allofarnesene. The fungi in addition to plants,2) but the biosynthetic origin fungus converted these sesquiterpenoids labeled with of isopentenyl diphosphate (IDP) for fungal ABA is 13C to ABA, and the incorporation ratio of 2Z,4E- - different from that for plant ABA (Fig. 1). Fungi use ionylideneethane was higher than that of 2E,4E- - IDP derived from the mevalonate pathway for ABA, ionylideneethane.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioactive Compounds of Tomatoes As Health Promoters
    48 Natural Bioactive Compounds from Fruits and Vegetables, 2016, Ed. 2, 48-91 CHAPTER 3 Bioactive Compounds of Tomatoes as Health Promoters José Pinela1,2, M. Beatriz P. P Oliveira2, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira1,* 1 Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), ESA, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Ap. 1172, 5301-855 Bragança, Portugal 2 REQUIMTE/LAQV, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal Abstract: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world and probably the most preferred garden crop. It is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, commonly associated with a reduced risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Currently there are a large number of tomato cultivars with different morphological and sensorial characteristics and tomato-based products, being major sources of nourishment for the world’s population. Its consumption brings health benefits, linked with its high levels of bioactive ingredients. The main compounds are carotenoids such as β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, and mostly lycopene, which is responsible for the red colour, vitamins in particular ascorbic acid and tocopherols, phenolic compounds including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids, and lectins. The content of these compounds is variety dependent. Besides, unlike unripe tomatoes, which contain a high content of tomatine (glycoalkaloid) but no lycopene, ripe red tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene and a lower quantity of glycoalkaloids. Current studies demonstrate the several benefits of these bioactive compounds, either isolated or in combined extracts, namely anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects among other health benefits, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    [Show full text]
  • Biocolorants and Its Implications in Health and Food Industry - a Review
    International Journal of PharmTech Research CODEN (USA): IJPRIF ISSN : 0974-4304 Vol.3, No.4, pp 2228-2244, Oct-Dec 2011 Biocolorants and its implications in Health and Food Industry - A Review H. Rymbai1*, R.R. Sharma2, Manish Srivastav1 1Division of Fruits & Horticultural Technology, 2Division of Post Harvest Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India *Corres.author: [email protected] Mobile No. 09582155637 Abstract: Color is the main feature of any food item as it enhances the appeal and acceptability of food. During processing, substantial amount of color is lost, and make any food commodity attractive to the consumers, synthetic or natural colours are added. Several types of dyes are available in the market as colouring agents to food commodities but biocolorants are now gaining popularity and considerable significance due to consumer awareness because synthetic dyes cause severe health problems. Biocolorants are prepared from renewable sources and majority are of plant origin. The main food biocolorants are carotenoids, flavanoids, anthocyanidins, chlorophyll, betalain and crocin, which are extracted from several horticultural plants. In addition to food coloring, biocolorants also act as antimicrobials, antioxygens and thereby prevent several diseases and disorders in human beings. Although, biocolorants have several potential benefits, yet tedious extraction procedures, low colour value, higher cost than synthetic dyes, instability during processing etc., hinder their popularity. Although, it is presumed that with the use of modern techniques of biotechnology, these problems in extraction procedures will be reduced, yet to meet the growing demand, more detailed studies on the production and stability of biocolorants are necessary while ensuring biosafety and proper legislation.
    [Show full text]
  • Phototrophic Pigment Production with Microalgae
    Phototrophic pigment production with microalgae Kim J. M. Mulders Thesis committee Promotor Prof. Dr R.H. Wijffels Professor of Bioprocess Engineering Wageningen University Co-promotors Dr D.E. Martens Assistant professor, Bioprocess Engineering Group Wageningen University Dr P.P. Lamers Assistant professor, Bioprocess Engineering Group Wageningen University Other members Prof. Dr H. van Amerongen, Wageningen University Prof. Dr M.J.E.C. van der Maarel, University of Groningen Prof. Dr C. Vilchez Lobato, University of Huelva, Spain Dr S. Verseck, BASF Personal Care and Nutrition GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany This research was conducted under the auspices of the Graduate School VLAG (Advanced studies in Food Technology, Agrobiotechnology, Nutrition and Health Sciences). Phototrophic pigment production with microalgae Kim J. M. Mulders Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of doctor at Wageningen University by the authority of the Rector Magnificus Prof. Dr M.J. Kropff, in the presence of the Thesis Committee appointed by the Academic Board to be defended in public on Friday 5 December 2014 at 11 p.m. in the Aula. K. J. M. Mulders Phototrophic pigment production with microalgae, 192 pages. PhD thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, NL (2014) With propositions, references and summaries in Dutch and English ISBN 978-94-6257-145-7 Abstract Microalgal pigments are regarded as natural alternatives for food colourants. To facilitate optimization of microalgae-based pigment production, this thesis aimed to obtain key insights in the pigment metabolism of phototrophic microalgae, with the main focus on secondary carotenoids. Different microalgal groups each possess their own set of primary pigments. Besides, a selected group of green algae (Chlorophytes) accumulate secondary pigments (secondary carotenoids) when exposed to oversaturating light conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Apr 15 2008 Libraries Archives
    Construction and Phenotypic Screening of Mid-size Insert Marine Microbial Environmental Genomic Libraries by Jennifer C. Braff B.A., New York University, 2001 Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution February 2008 O 2008 Massachusetts Institute of Technology All rights reserved. Signature of Author " ' W ........•.. ...•• ...."f Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution December 6, 2007 A Certified by K7 Edward DeLong Professor of Biological Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering Chair, Joint Committee on Biological Oceanography Thesis Sinervisor Accepted by Daniele Veneziano Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering MA,SAC M' I IN87 OFTEOHNOLOGy Chairman, Departmental Committee on Graduate Students APR 15 2008 ARCHIVES LIBRARIES Construction and Phenotypic Screening of Mid-size Insert Marine Microbial Environmental Genomic Libraries by Jennifer C. Braff Submitted to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering on December 6, 2007 in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biological Oceanography at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ABSTRACT Functional screening of environmental genomic libraries permits the identification of clones expressing activities of interest without requiring prior knowledge of the genes responsible. In this study, protocols were optimized for the construction of mid-size DNA insert, inducible expression environmental genomic plasmid libraries for this purpose. A library with a mean insert size of 5.2 kilobases was constructed with environmental DNA isolated from surface ocean water collected at Hawaii Ocean Time- series station ALOHA in plasmid cloning vector pMCL200 under the inducible control of the PLAC promoter.
    [Show full text]
  • Pigment Palette by Dr
    Tree Leaf Color Series WSFNR08-34 Sept. 2008 Pigment Palette by Dr. Kim D. Coder, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia Autumn tree colors grace our landscapes. The palette of potential colors is as diverse as the natural world. The climate-induced senescence process that trees use to pass into their Winter rest period can present many colors to the eye. The colored pigments produced by trees can be generally divided into the green drapes of tree life, bright oil paints, subtle water colors, and sullen earth tones. Unveiling Overpowering greens of summer foliage come from chlorophyll pigments. Green colors can hide and dilute other colors. As chlorophyll contents decline in fall, other pigments are revealed or produced in tree leaves. As different pigments are fading, being produced, or changing inside leaves, a host of dynamic color changes result. Taken altogether, the various coloring agents can yield an almost infinite combination of leaf colors. The primary colorants of fall tree leaves are carotenoid and flavonoid pigments mixed over a variable brown background. There are many tree colors. The bright, long lasting oil paints-like colors are carotene pigments produc- ing intense red, orange, and yellow. A chemical associate of the carotenes are xanthophylls which produce yellow and tan colors. The short-lived, highly variable watercolor-like colors are anthocyanin pigments produc- ing soft red, pink, purple and blue. Tannins are common water soluble colorants that produce medium and dark browns. The base color of tree leaf components are light brown. In some tree leaves there are pale cream colors and blueing agents which impact color expression.
    [Show full text]
  • Multiplicity of Carotene Patterns Derives from Competition Between
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Multiplicity of carotene patterns derives from competition between phytoene desaturase diversifcation and biological environments Mathieu Fournié1,2,3 & Gilles Truan1* Phytoene desaturases catalyse from two to six desaturation reactions on phytoene, generating a large diversity of molecules that can then be cyclised and produce, depending on the organism, many diferent carotenoids. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of a subset of phytoene desaturases from the CrtI family for which functional data was available. We expressed in a bacterial system eight codon optimized CrtI enzymes from diferent clades. Analysis of the phytoene desaturation reactions on crude extracts showed that three CrtI enzymes can catalyse up to six desaturations, forming tetradehydrolycopene. Kinetic data generated using a subset of fve purifed enzymes demonstrate the existence of characteristic patterns of desaturated molecules associated with various CrtI clades. The kinetic data was also analysed using a classical Michaelis–Menten kinetic model, showing that variations in the reaction rates and binding constants could explain the various carotene patterns observed. Competition between lycopene cyclase and the phytoene desaturases modifed the distribution between carotene intermediates when expressed in yeast in the context of the full β-carotene production pathway. Our results demonstrate that the desaturation patterns of carotene molecules in various biological environments cannot be fully inferred from phytoene desaturases classifcation but is governed both by evolutionary-linked variations in the desaturation rates and competition between desaturation and cyclisation steps. Carotenoids are organic pigments produced by plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria and can be subdivided into two families of molecules, carotenes and their oxidised counterparts, xanthophylls 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine Page 0
    77:222 Spring 2005 Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine Page 0 This student paper was written as an assignment in the graduate course Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine (77:222, Spring 2005) offered by the Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program B-180 Med Labs The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242-1181 Spring 2005 Term Instructors: GARRY R. BUETTNER, Ph.D. LARRY W. OBERLEY, Ph.D. with guest lectures from: Drs. Freya Q . Schafer, Douglas R. Spitz, and Frederick E. Domann The Fine Print: Because this is a paper written by a beginning student as an assignment, there are no guarantees that everything is absolutely correct and accurate. In view of the possibility of human error or changes in our knowledge due to continued research, neither the author nor The University of Iowa nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation or publication of this work warrants that the information contained herein is in every respect accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources. All material contained in this paper is copyright of the author, or the owner of the source that the material was taken from. This work is not intended as a threat to the ownership of said copyrights. S. Jetawattana Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant 1 Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant by Suwimol Jetawattana Department of Radiation Oncology Free Radical and Radiation Biology The University
    [Show full text]
  • Transcriptional Analysis of Carotenoids Accumulation and Metabolism in a Pink-Fleshed Lemon Mutant
    G C A T T A C G G C A T genes Article Transcriptional Analysis of Carotenoids Accumulation and Metabolism in a Pink-Fleshed Lemon Mutant Giuseppe Lana 1 , Jaime Zacarias-Garcia 2 , Gaetano Distefano 1 , Alessandra Gentile 1, María J. Rodrigo 2 and Lorenzo Zacarias 2,* 1 Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; [email protected] (G.L.); [email protected] (G.D.); [email protected] (A.G.) 2 Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain; [email protected] (J.Z.-G.); [email protected] (M.J.R.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-963-900-022; Fax: +34-963-636-301 Received: 8 September 2020; Accepted: 28 October 2020; Published: 30 October 2020 Abstract: Pink lemon is a spontaneous bud mutation of lemon (Citrus limon, L. Burm. f) characterized by the production of pink-fleshed fruits due to an unusual accumulation of lycopene. To elucidate the genetic determinism of the altered pigmentation, comparative carotenoid profiling and transcriptional analysis of both the genes involved in carotenoid precursors and metabolism, and the proteins related to carotenoid-sequestering structures were performed in pink-fleshed lemon and its wild-type. The carotenoid profile of pink lemon pulp is characterized by an increased accumulation of linear carotenoids, such as lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene, from the early stages of development, reaching their maximum in mature green fruits. The distinctive phenotype of pink lemon is associated with an up-regulation and down-regulation of the genes upstream and downstream the lycopene cyclase, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Canthaxanthin, a Red-Hot Carotenoid: Applications, Synthesis, and Biosynthetic Evolution
    plants Review Canthaxanthin, a Red-Hot Carotenoid: Applications, Synthesis, and Biosynthetic Evolution Bárbara A. Rebelo 1,2 , Sara Farrona 3, M. Rita Ventura 2 and Rita Abranches 1,* 1 Plant Cell Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; [email protected] 2 Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; [email protected] 3 Plant and AgriBiosciences Centre, Ryan Institute, NUI Galway, H19 TK33 Galway, Ireland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 14 July 2020; Accepted: 13 August 2020; Published: 15 August 2020 Abstract: Carotenoids are a class of pigments with a biological role in light capture and antioxidant activities. High value ketocarotenoids, such as astaxanthin and canthaxanthin, are highly appealing for applications in human nutraceutical, cosmetic, and animal feed industries due to their color- and health-related properties. In this review, recent advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology towards the production of ketocarotenoids, in particular the red-orange canthaxanthin, are highlighted. Also reviewed and discussed are the properties of canthaxanthin, its natural producers, and various strategies for its chemical synthesis. We review the de novo synthesis of canthaxanthin and the functional β-carotene ketolase enzyme across organisms, supported by a protein-sequence-based phylogenetic analysis. Various possible modifications of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway and the present sustainable cost-effective alternative platforms for ketocarotenoids biosynthesis are also discussed. Keywords: canthaxanthin; metabolic engineering; carotenoid biosynthesis pathway; plant secondary metabolite; chemical synthesis 1.
    [Show full text]