A novel carotenoid biosynthetic route via oxidosqualene

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2022 Apr 9:599:75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.105. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Abstract

Over 800 known carotenoids are synthesized from phytoene or 4,4'-diapophytoene (dehydrosqualene) characterized by three conjugated double bonds. In this paper, we report that carotenoid desaturase CrtN from Staphylococcus aureus and Methylomonas can accept oxidosqualene, which is the precursor for plant- or animal-type triterpenoids, yielding the yellow carotenoid pigments with 8, 9, or 10 conjugated double bonds. The resulting pathway is the second nonnatural route for carotenoid pigments and the first pathway for carotenoid pigments not biosynthesized via (diapo)phytoene.

Keywords: Carotenoid; Non-natural routes; Oxidosqualene; Squalene; Triterpenoid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biosynthetic Pathways / physiology*
  • Carotenoids / chemistry
  • Carotenoids / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase / genetics
  • Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase / metabolism
  • Microorganisms, Genetically-Modified
  • Oxidoreductases / genetics
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Squalene / analogs & derivatives*
  • Squalene / metabolism
  • Squalene Monooxygenase / genetics
  • Squalene Monooxygenase / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • oxidosqualene
  • Carotenoids
  • Squalene
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Squalene Monooxygenase
  • phytoene dehydrogenase
  • Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase