Comprehending crystalline β-carotene accumulation by comparing engineered cell models and the natural carotenoid-rich system of citrus.

ABSTRACT: Genetic manipulation of carotenoid biosynthesis has become a recent focus for the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency. However, the genetically modified phenotypes often challenge the expectation, suggesting the incomplete comprehension of carotenogenesis. Here, embryogenic calli were engineered from four citrus genotypes as engineered cell models (ECMs) by over-expressing a bacterial phytoene synthase gene (CrtB). Ripe flavedos (the coloured outer layer of citrus fruits), which exhibit diverse natural carotenoid patterns, were offered as a comparative system to the ECMs. In the ECMs, carotenoid patterns showed diversity depending on the genotypes and produced additional carotenoids, such as lycopene, that were absent from the wild-type lines. Especially in the ECMs from dark-grown culture

SUBMITTER: Cao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3421982 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature