Development of zeaxanthin-rich tomato fruit through genetic manipulations of carotenoid biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT: The oxygenated carotenoid zeaxanthin provides numerous benefits to human health due to its antioxidant properties. Especially it is linked to protecting, together with the xanthophyll lutein, the retina in the human eye by filtering harmful blue light thus delaying the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent cause of blindness in developed countries. Despite its high nutritional value, zeaxanthin is less available than other substantial carotenoids in our diet. To solve this shortage, we chose to develop a new food source that would contain a high concentration of natural zeaxanthin. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was selected as the target plant since it is the second largest vegetable crop grown worldwide and its fruit characteristically synthesizes an

SUBMITTER: Karniel U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7589248 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature