Complete microbial synthesis of crocetin and crocins from glycerol in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Crocin, a glycosylated apocarotenoid pigment predominantly found in saffron, has garnered significant interest in the field of biotechnology for its bioactive properties. Traditional production of crocins and their aglycone, crocetin, typically involves extraction from crocin-producing plants. This study aimed to develop an alternative biosynthetic method for these compounds by engineering the metabolic pathways of zeaxanthin, crocetin, and crocin in Escherichia coli strains.

Results

Employing a series of genetic modifications and the strategic overexpression of key enzymes, we successfully established a complete microbial pathway for synthesizing crocetin and four glycosylated derivatives of crocetin, utilizing glycerol as the primary carbon source. The overexpre

SUBMITTER: Lee JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10765794 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature