Quantitative Analysis of Carotenoids

Carotenoids are a class of yellow, orange or red fat-soluble pigments that widely exist in microorganisms, plants, animals and humans.It has various biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, enhancing immunity and protecting vision. It mainly exists in fruits and fresh vegetables, and can be synthesized in plants and microorganisms, but cannot be synthesized in animals.

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Carotenoids

Epidemiological studies have shown that eating dark green vegetables and fruits reduces the incidence of cancer which is closely related to the carotenoids they contain.

The possible mechanisms are anti-oxidation, inhibition of carcinogen formation, regulation of drug metabolizing enzymes, enhancement of immune function, regulation of cell signal, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of cell differentiation and apoptosis, and induction of intercellular communication.

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Sample Requirements

• Sample type: tissue, blood, etc.
• Solid 2g
• Liquid 500μl
• Recommended to repeat more than 6 times

• Liquid/solid samples, dry ice shipping; large pieces need to be cut into 1cm pieces

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Case Analysis

Rhodoxanthin Synthase from Honeysuckle; a Membrane Diron Enzyme Catalyzes the Multistep Conversation of β-carotene to Rhodoxanthin

Journal: Science Advances       Impact factor: 13.116 Published date: April, 2020       Published by: DSM Nutritional Products, United States

Research Background

Rhodoxanthin is a vibrant red carotenoid found across the plant kingdom and in certain birds and fish.

Research Design and Results

We identify LHRS (Lonicera hydroxylase rhodoxanthin synthase), a variant β-carotene hydroxylase (BCH)–type integral membrane diiron enzyme that mediates the conversion of β-carotene into rhodoxanthin. We identify residues that are critical to rhodoxanthin formation by LHRS. Substitution of only three residues converts a typical BCH into a multifunctional enzyme that mediates a multistep pathway from β-carotene to rhodoxanthin via a series of distinct oxidation steps in which the product of each step becomes the substrate for the next catalytic cycle.

Conclusion

We propose a biosynthetic pathway from β-carotene to rhodoxanthin.

Reference

Royer John,Shanklin John,Balch-Kenney Nathalie et al. Rhodoxanthin synthase from honeysuckle; a membrane diiron enzyme catalyzes the multistep conversation of β-carotene to rhodoxanthin.[J] .Sci Adv, 2020, 6: eaay9226