Unique carotenoid lactoside, P457, in Symbiodinium sp. of dinoflagellate

Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):155-7. Epub 2012 Mar 17.

Abstract

The dinoflagellates are a large group of unicellular alge in marine and fresh water. Some are an endosymbiont of marine animals. Photosynthetic dinoflagellates have peridinin, a light-harvesting carotenoid. In addition, a unique carotenoid, P457, was found from Amphinidium. The presence of P457 in Symbiodinium derived from marine animals has not been reported. We reconfirmed the molecular structure of P457, a neoxanthin-like carotenoid with an aldehyde group and a lactoside, from Symbiodinium sp. NBRC 104787 isolated from a sea anemone. In addition, we investigated the distribution of P457 and peridinin in various Symbiodinium and scleractinian coral species, and possible biosynthetic pathways of these carotenoids are proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carotenoids / chemistry*
  • Dinoflagellida / chemistry*
  • Lactose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Lactose / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • P457 carotenoid
  • Carotenoids
  • Lactose