Aster proteins mediate carotenoid transport in mammalian cells.

ABSTRACT: Some mammalian tissues uniquely concentrate carotenoids, but the underlying biochemical mechanism for this accumulation has not been fully elucidated. For instance, the central retina of the primate eyes displays high levels of the carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, whereas the pigments are largely absent in rodent retinas. We previously identified the scavenger receptor class B type 1 and the enzyme β-carotene-oxygenase-2 (BCO2) as key components that determine carotenoid concentration in tissues. We now provide evidence that Aster (GRAM-domain-containing) proteins, recently recognized for their role in nonvesicular cholesterol transport, engage in carotenoid metabolism. Our analyses revealed that the StART-like lipid binding domain of Aster proteins can accommodate the bulky pigments a

SUBMITTER: Bandara S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9169810 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature