Heterologous Production of Torularhodin, the Monocyclic Carotenoid with a Terminal Carboxyl Group, in <i>Escherichia coli</i>.

ABSTRACT: Torularhodin is the monocyclic C40 carotenoid with the β-ring and a terminal carboxyl group at the acyclic part, with long conjugated double bonds, only synthesized in fungi called red (oleaginous) yeasts, e.g., the genera Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces. This unique red pigment with strong antioxidant properties is promising for use in food additives, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics. We aimed to produce torularhodin in Escherichia coli through the identification of the biosynthesis genes needed for its heterologous production, while no genes oxidizing torulene to torularhodin had been reported. The Rhodotorula toruloides crtI (CAR1) and crtYB (CAR2) genes, which were chemically synthesized, proved to lead to the complete conversion of

SUBMITTER: Takemura M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821545 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature