Biosynthesis of C(30) carotenoids is relatively restricted in nature but has been described in Staphylococcus and in methylotrophic bacteria. We report here identification of a novel gene (crtNb) involved in conversion of 4,4'-diapolycopene to 4,4'-diapolycopene aldehyde. An aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ald) responsible for the subsequent oxidation of 4,4'-diapolycopene aldehyde to 4,4'-diapoly...

Based on experimental observations made in photosynthetic organ— isms which lacked colored carotenoid pigments, a hypothesis was developed that these pigments could serve as protective agents against photosensi— tized oxidations. Over the last 20 years, many workers have confirmed this hypothesis and have extended the observations to non—photosynthetic bacteria, plants and animals. It has also ...

Staphylococcus aureus formed an electron transport system when exponentially growing cells were aerated. Formation of the electron transport system occurred concomitantly with increases in the phospholipids and the carotenoids. The addition of piperonyl butoxide or benzo(a)pyrene at the onset of aeration (i) slowed the formation of the electron transport system, (ii) both inhibited cytochrome o...

objective(s): carotenoids which are naturally synthesized by fungi such as yeasts can act as an antioxidant which is closely related to their ability to decrease the risk of a variety of degenerative diseases. in recent years, the increase of demand for carotenoids obtained from natural sources has promoted major efforts to improve carotenoid production from biological sources such as pigmented...

Carotenoid-based coloration has attracted much attention in evolutionary biology owing to its role in honest, condition-dependent signalling. Knowledge of the genetic pathways that regulate carotenoid coloration is crucial for an understanding of any trade-offs involved. We identified genes with potential roles in carotenoid coloration in vertebrates via (i) carotenoid uptake (SR-BI, CD36), (ii...

Nutritional constraints on reproduction are well-characterized in female animals, but rarely have particular nutrients been linked to male reproductive investments. Carotenoid pigments promote egg-laying and fertility in several animals, and are displayed externally within secondary sex traits by males of many colorful species to attract mates, but it is unclear if or how carotenoids affect mal...

As a replacement to existing fossil fuels, biofuels, have proven their worth; however, their widespread use is limited due to inconsistent yields, higher costs and poor productivity. An oleaginous yeast, Rhodosporidium toruloides has been reported to accumulate substantial amounts of lipids (that can be converted to biofuels) and therefore, it was selected for study and optimization. Apart from...

Most Sphingomonas species synthesize the yellow carotenoid nostoxanthin. However, the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway of these species remains unclear. In this study, we cloned and characterized a carotenoid biosynthesis gene cluster containing four carotenogenic genes (crtG, crtY, crtI and crtB) and a β-carotene hydroxylase gene (crtZ) located outside the cluster, from the gellan-gum producing...