Role of the crtR Gene in Astaxanthin Production in Yeast
Author Information
Author(s): Alcaíno Jennifer, Barahona Salvador, Carmona Marisela, Lozano Carla, Marcoleta Andrés, Niklitschek Mauricio, Sepúlveda Dionisia, Baeza Marcelo, Cifuentes Víctor
Primary Institution: Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Hypothesis
The crtR gene is essential for the conversion of β-carotene to astaxanthin in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.
Conclusion
The crtR gene is necessary for astaxanthin biosynthesis in X. dendrorhous, as its deletion alters carotenoid composition.
Supporting Evidence
- The crtR gene product is essential for astaxanthin biosynthesis in X. dendrorhous.
- Transformants lacking the crtR gene showed altered carotenoid composition.
- CBSTr transformant accumulates β-carotene and is unable to produce astaxanthin.
Takeaway
The yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous needs a special gene called crtR to make a pigment called astaxanthin from another pigment called β-carotene.
Methodology
The study involved isolating the crtR gene, creating transformants with gene deletions, and analyzing carotenoid composition through RP-HPLC.
Limitations
The study does not explore the potential alternative pathways for astaxanthin synthesis in different strains of X. dendrorhous.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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