Search Results (104)

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food crop for humans, yet it primarily accumulates the non-provitamin A carotenoid lutein and exhibits limited natural variation in provitamin A β-carotene among its various accessions. This characteristic necessitates the development of alternative strategies for provitamin A biofortification. To address this challenge, we targeted key control points in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in a wheat cultivar Fielder. Specifically, we knocked out the gene encoding lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE), an enzyme that acts as a gatekeeper opposing the production of β-branch carotenoids. Biochemical analysis of homozygous transgene-free mutant endosperms at 20 days post-anthesis (DPA) revealed marked metabolic rerouting of carotenoid biosynthesis, characterized by differential, line-specific accumulation patterns. Provitamin A carotenoids—specifically β-carotene—increased by 26.1–34.5% relative to wild-type controls, concomitant with elevated 22.9–125.4% for zeaxanthin, 41.6–73.9% for violaxanthin, and 26.2–186.5% for antheraxanthin. However, these gains were offset by drastic lutein reduction in lines 1–4 and 5–1. Consequently, total carotenoid levels displayed non-uniform responses, with line 5–1 exhibiting a modest decrease relative to wild-type. Moreover, the mutant lines exhibited elevated levels of amylose and soluble sugar, and the seed coats and endosperms of the triple homozygous transgene-free mutant lines exhibited an orange-yellow hue. In conclusion, we have successfully developed novel carotenoids biofortified wheat lines through a gene-editing approach. This study demonstrates targeted redirection of carotenoid biosynthesis via gene editing as an effective strategy to enhance the nutritional value of commercial wheat and mitigate micronutrient deficiencies in modern food systems. Full article

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, requiring more effective treatments. By-products from the white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) are a promising source of bioactive compounds. Compounds with antiproliferative activity were isolated and identified in exoskeleton and cephalothorax extracts. The hexane extract of the exoskeleton reduced the viability of Human Prostate Carcinoma cell line (22Rv1) to 40.6% without toxicity in Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelium-19 (ARPE-19). Among the 19 fractions obtained, H3 reduced cell viability to 20.78%. Spectroscopic analysis identified bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, neoxanthin, and violaxanthin. Fluorescence microscopy showed morphological alterations. These findings demonstrate in vitro antiproliferative activity of compounds derived from shrimp by-products and support further studies to elucidate their mechanisms of action and evaluate their potential relevance in cancer prevention or therapeutic research. Full article

Mango peels have great potential for upcycling in the food industry. This study addressed important knowledge gaps regarding mango peel drying, namely, the effect of drying on mango peels’ bound phenolics, and the impact of prior freezing on the composition of hot air-dried mango peels. Hence, the effect of freeze drying (FD) (0.10 mbar; −63 °C (condenser temperature); 25 °C (shelf temperature); 96 h), hot air drying (HAD) (65 °C; 48 h), and HAD preceded by freezing (FZ + HAD) (−20 °C; 30 days) on mango peels’ composition, antioxidant capacity, and technological properties was evaluated. Drying did not affect fiber content; however, it caused slight modifications in carbohydrate composition of fiber. Regarding antioxidant compounds, FD, HAD, and FZ + HAD reduced vitamin C by 9%, 53%, and 71%, respectively. FD preserved all free phenolics, while HAD and FZ + HAD decreased most of them, with reductions ranging from 20 to 42% and 17 to 71%, respectively. However, FD, HAD, and FZ + HAD reduced 9, 2, and 6 of the 10 bound phenolics identified, respectively, and decreased their antioxidant capacity. Finally, all identified carotenoids were reduced by FZ + HAD, whereas FD and HAD decreased only violaxanthin. Regarding technological properties, FD showed the highest and lowest oil and water absorption capacities. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that prior freezing exacerbated the loss of antioxidants during HAD. Full article

Tropaeolum majus L. is a popular ornamental plant. All parts of T. majus plant (flowers, leaves, and seeds) are edible and are appreciated for their pungent taste, although their chemical composition varies. T. majus is known for its many health benefits. It is a source of trace elements and bioactive compounds that are easily absorbed by the human body. The flowers of T. majus contain flavonoids from the flavone and flavonol groups, as well as their glycosides, which exhibit antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. They also inhibit the activity of certain enzymes. Among the flavonoids, the flowers and leaves of T. majus contain derivatives of kaempferol and quercetin. Flavonoids also include anthocyanins, which are responsible for the color of T. majus flowers. In red flowers, delphinidin predominates; in orange flowers, pelargonidin; and in yellow flowers, pelargonidin and delphinidin are present in similar amounts. In the flowers of T. majus, seven carotenoids have been identified: violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, α, β and γ-carotene. In the leaves, however, lutein, violaxanthin, β-carotene and neoxanthin were detected. In T. majus, the presence of two glucosinolates has been reported: glucotropaeolin and sinalbin. The flowers and leaves of T. majus also contain both macroelements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na) and microelements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo), and essential oils which have anti-cancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The quality and flowering of T. majus are enhanced by fungi of the Trichoderma genus, which is important both ecologically and in terms of increasing the yield of raw material extracted from the plant. T. aureoviride, T. hamatum, and T. harzianum stimulated the flowering of the T. majus ‘Spitfire’. The plants treated with T. harzianum after being planted in pots flowered the most abundantly. Trichoderma spp. caused the plants to grow more intensively, producing longer and more leafy shoots with a greater number of offshoots. Trichoderma spp. stimulated the uptake of macronutrients, except for P. In the case of Ca and Na, this phenomenon was only observed in plants treated with T. aureoviride and T. hamatum, and for Mg, only when T. hamatum was applied to sown seeds. As for the developed root systems, as far as the micronutrients are concerned, Trichoderma spp. stimulated the uptake of Zn and Mn. Additionally, there was a higher Fe content in the plants treated with T. harzianum on both dates and T. aureoviride after planting the plants in pots. Full article

Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an important ornamental and industrial crop valued for its high lutein content. Although petal pigmentation during inflorescence development involves coordinated chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis, the transcriptional mechanisms regulating these processes remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a MADS-box transcription factor, TeMADS6, that coordinately regulates chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism in marigold. Constitutive overexpression of TeMADS6 resulted in yellow-green petals. HPLC analysis revealed that lycopene, antheraxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein levels were substantially reduced in TeMADS6-overexpression lines, while chlorophyll content was significantly increased compared with wild-type plants. Transcriptome profiling revealed strong repressions of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes TePSY1 and TeHYDB in transgenic florets. Moreover, the chlorophyll degradation gene TeNYC1 and TePPH2 were significantly downregulated, whereas TeSGR2 was upregulated. Together, these findings demonstrate that TeMADS6 acts as a dual-function transcriptional regulator controlling both chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. This study provides new genetic resources for manipulating petal color and enhancing lutein accumulation in marigold, and advance understanding of the transcriptional networks orchestrating pigment metabolism during flower development. Full article

Gastrodia elata Blume is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. The color of flower and flower stalk are important characteristics in the classification of G. elata. However, the mechanisms of pigment formation in different types of G. elata are not yet elucidated. To understand this, targeted metabolomics as well as transcriptomics analyses were carried out in this study. The differential accumulation and the typical components of pigments in different types of G. elata were elucidated. According to our research, the accumulation of carotenoids rather than anthocyanins likely contributes to the pigment content in G. elata. The different accumulations of carotenoids including violaxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, and α-cryptoxanthin are the main reasons that contribute to the color differences in the flowers and flower stalks of these three G. elata varieties. Integrated multi-omics analysis enriched 50 and 17 differential genes in the flavonoid–anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. Among these, PSY, PDS, CCD, UGT, and ANR were identified as critical genes responsible for the differential pigment accumulation in G. elata varieties, while the MYB TFs were tightly associated with main genes expression and content of carotenoids. Overall, this study enhances the current understanding of pigments’ metabolites profiles and contributes valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying G. elata carotenoid biosynthesis; these findings also provide valuable guidance for future carotenoid biofortification and molecular breeding in G. elata. Full article

Background: A significant concern today is the dependence on low-quality water sources, such as saline water, in hydroponic systems, especially due to the scarcity of freshwater. Halophytes and salt-tolerant species have emerged as viable candidates for cultivation in saline hydroponics. However, their agronomic performance and physiological responses within hydroponic systems require further investigation. Objectives: This research aims to explore the potential of edible halophytes grown in saline nutrient solutions within hydroponic systems within salt-tolerant ranges, focusing on their metabolic profiles and mineral accumulation. Methods: Plantago coronopus (L.), Portulaca oleracea (L.), and Salsola komarovii (Iljin) were grown in walk-in controlled environment chambers in deep water culture hydroponic systems, at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM·L⁻¹ NaCl salinity; 16h, 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and wide LED spectrum lighting was maintained. Results: A significant decrease in organic acids, and fresh and dry weight under high saltinity was observed in Plantago coronopus and Portulaca oleracea, but not in Salsola komarovii. An increase in hexoses, particularly glucose, violaxanthin and β-carotene, P⁺ and Zn²⁺, along with a decrease in lutein, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels across salinity levels from 0 to 200 mM NaCl was observed in all treated halophytes. Increased salinity did not significantly affect total protein accumulation. Conclusions: These findings reveal that different shifts in osmolytes, mineral elements, and biomass accumulation in tested halophytes indicate species-dependent osmotic adjustment to increased salinity and may be attributed to the morphological differences among halophytic grasses, dicot halophytes, and those with succulent leaves or stems. The PCA score scatterplot results excluded the response of Plantago coronopus from other tested halophytes; also, it demonstrated that Portulaca oleracea was more sensitive to the hydroponic solution salinity compared to Salsola komarovii and Plantago coronopus. Full article

Microalgae have attracted the interest of researchers due to their high amounts of bioactive compounds with potential anti-obesity effects. In this context, the aim of this study is to analyse the effects of pigment extracts of Tetradesmus obliquus, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Desmodesmus armatus on triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Pigments were extracted and the chlorophyll and carotenoid profiles were analysed by HPLC-DAD-APCI-QTOF-MS analysis. Next, the three extracts were tested in maturing 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes treated during 8 days at doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 µg/mL. Cell viability was evaluated and triglyceride content of cells was measured by a commercial kit. Furthermore, adipogenic gene expression was measured in cells treated with the highest dose of the three extracts. The characterisation showed that the predominant pigments in each extract were different among the microalgae, with fucoxanthin being the main one in Phaeodactylum tricornutum and chlorophylls, lutein and violaxanthin/neoxanthin in the other two microalgae. All the tested microalgae extracts reduced triglyceride content of pre-adipocytes, although differing in the minimum effective dose. The underlying mechanism depends on the analysed extract, but the three extracts reduced adipogenesis via Pparg inhibition. In conclusion, the pigment extracts of the three microalgae exert anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Full article

Salt stress is a major abiotic factor limiting wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) growth. As a high-value medicinal and edible crop, wolfberry relies on its carotenoid content, a critical determinant of fruit quality and nutritional value. To elucidate the expression regulatory mechanisms of key genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway under salt stress, this study systematically identified 17 structural genes within the L. barbarum carotenoid pathway using genomic and transcriptomic approaches. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on gene structure, chromosomal distribution, conserved domains, and cis-acting elements. The results revealed that these genes were clustered on chromosomes Chr08 and Chr10 and exhibit strong collinearity with tomato (18 syntenic pairs). Their promoters were enriched with light-responsive (G-box) and stress-responsive (ABRE, DRE) elements. Tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated high expression in mid-to-late fruit developmental stages (LbaPSY1, LbaPDS) and in photoprotective genes (LbaZEP, LbaVDE) in leaves. Under 300 mM NaCl stress treatment, the genes exhibited a staged response: Early stage (1–3 h): upstream MEP pathway genes (LbaDXS, LbaGGPS) were rapidly induced to supply precursors. Mid-stage (6–12 h): midstream genes (LbaPSY, LbaPDS, LbaZDS) were continuously upregulated, promoting lycopene synthesis and preferentially activating the β-branch (LbaLCYB). Late stage (12–24 h): downstream xanthophyll cycle genes (LbaBCH, LbaZEP, LbaVDE) were significantly enhanced, facilitating the accumulation of antioxidant compounds like violaxanthin and neoxanthin. This coordinated regulation formed a synergistic “precursor supply–antioxidant product” network. This study revealed the phased and coordinated regulatory network of carotenoid biosynthesis genes under salt stress in L. barbarum. It also provided potential target genes for the new cultivar selection with enhanced salt tolerance and nutritional quality. Full article

Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a multimeric enzyme that serves as the first enzyme in carotenoid synthesis within plant tissues and plays a crucial role in the production of carotenoids in plants. To understand the function of the PSY gene in Panax japonicus C. A. Meyer. fruit, the gene’s transcript was obtained by analyzing the transcriptome sequencing data of Panax japonicus fruit. The CDS sequence of the gene was cloned from Panax japonicus fruit using the RT-PCR cloning technique and named PjPSY1, which was then subjected to biosynthetic analysis and functional verification. The results showed that the open reading frame of the gene was 1269 bp, encoding 423 amino acids, with a protein molecular mass of 47,654.67 KDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 8.63; the protein encoded by these amino acids was hydrophilic and localized in chloroplasts, and its three-dimensional structure was predicted by combining the pymol software to annotate the N site of action and active centre of the protein. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that PjPSY1 had the closest affinity to DcPSY from Daucus carota. Overexpression of PjPSY1 led to a significant increase in the content of carotenoid-related monomers in Arabidopsis thaliana, with Violaxanthin being synthesized in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana but not in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana. The PjPSY1 clone obtained in this study was able to promote carotenoid synthesis in the fruits of Panax japonicus, revealing that the mode of action of PjPSY1 in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway of Panax japonicus fruits has a positive regulatory effect. Full article

Crocin biosynthesis involves a complex network of enzymes with biosynthetic and modifier enzymes, and the manipulation of these pathways holds promise for improving human health through the broad exploitation of these bioactive metabolites. Crocins play a significant role in human nutrition and health, as they exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Plants that naturally accumulate high levels of crocins are scarce, and the production of crocins is highly limited by the characteristics of the crops and their yield. The CCD2 enzyme, initially identified in saffron, is responsible for converting zeaxanthin into crocetin, which is further modified to crocins by aldehyde dehydrogenases and glucosyltransferase enzymes. Crops like tomato fruits, which naturally contain high levels of carotenoids, offer valuable genetic resources for expanding synthetic biology tools. In an effort to explore CCD2 enzymes with improved activity, two CCD2 alleles from saffron and Crocosmia were introduced into tomato, together with a UGT gene. Furthermore, in order to increase the zeaxanthin pool in the fruit, an RNA interference construct was introduced to limit the conversion of zeaxanthin to violaxanthin. The expression of saffron CCD2, CsCCDD2L, led to the creation of transgenic tomatoes with significantly high crocins levels, reaching concentrations of 4.7 mg/g dry weight. The Crocosmia allele, CroCCD2, also resulted in high crocins levels, reaching a concentration of 2.1 mg/g dry weight. These findings underscore the importance of enzyme variants in synthetic biology, as they enable the development of crops rich in beneficial apocarotenoids. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, characterized by complex processes such as neuro-inflammation, oxidative damage, synaptic loss, and neuronal death. Carotenoids are among the potential therapeutic molecules that have attracted attention due to their neuroprotective properties, but their efficacy is limited mainly by their capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Results: The results showed that T. chuii extracts could protect neuronal cells from neurotoxic damage, especially against L-glutamate and H₂O₂. Moreover, the BBB permeability and the intestinal transport analyses revealed that fucoxanthinol, crocoxanthin, diatoxanthin, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and prasinoxanthin have diverse permeabilities depending on the incubation time and the cell model used. Fucoxanthinol was the carotenoid with the highest and similar permeability in HBMEC cells (4.41%, 5.13%, and 18.94% at 2, 4, and 24 h, respectively) and Caco-2 cells (7.01%, 8.63%, and 18.36% at the same times), while crocoxanthin, diatoxanthin, and neoxanthin showed different kinetics. Methods: The neuroprotective potential of two extracts obtained from Tetraselmis chuii microalga were evaluated against Aβ1-42-, L-glutamate-, and H₂O₂-induced toxicities in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the BBB permeability and the intestinal transepithelial transport of the main carotenoids present in the extracts were evaluated and compared using two cell culture models, HBMEC and Caco-2 cells. For that aim, the transport of the bioactive molecules across the barriers was evaluated using UHPLC-q-TOF-MS after 2, 4, and 24 h of incubation. Conclusions: These findings indicate that T. chuii is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds to develop functional foods against neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Microalgae are valuable sources of bioactive compounds. However, their production requires strategies to enhance metabolic responses. This study explores how Chlorella vulgaris responds to different salinity conditions using a two-stage cultivation strategy, assessing the change in amino acid and carotenoid content on microalgae over time. First, microalgae were cultivated under optimal conditions, followed by exposure to different salinity levels (150 mM and 300 mM NaCl). Growth kinetics, nutrient uptake, and biochemical composition were analysed, revealing distinct salinity-induced responses. Similar specific growth rates were achieved across all assays, while nitrate removal improved under salinity and phosphate uptake decreased. Amino acid profiling showed significant declines in the content of several compounds and carotenoid content also presented declining trends, although moderate salinity mitigated degradation in key pigments. Principal component analysis identified high correlations between amino acids and carotenoids contents, forming groups of compounds with similar variations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the salinity-induced response of C. vulgaris, offering insights for biotechnology applications. By optimising cultivation conditions, salinity could enhance bioactive compound retention, supporting the development of sustainable microalgae-based products. Full article

The nutritional quality and biochemical properties of ‘Little Gem’ (Lactuca sativa L.) lettuce grown hydroponically can be enhanced by Zn and white light. This study investigated the combined effects of wide-spectrum white LED lighting parameters and Zn doses on the Zn accumulation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, sugars, and protein content of lettuce. Broad-spectrum 3500 K light combined with a 5 ppm Zn solution led to a 7% increase in Zn accumulation in lettuce, compared to 3000 K and 4000 K lighting conditions. The 5 ppm Zn dose combined with 3000 K and 4000 K lighting affected DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity and Fe-reducing antioxidant power. Additionally, this combination influenced chlorophyll b, maltose, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase levels. Furthermore, the 1 and 5 ppm Zn doses at 4000 K impacted carotenoids such as neoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and total protein content. In lettuce exposed to a 1 ppm Zn dose combined with 3000 K and 3500 K lighting, impact was found on total phenolic compounds, sucrose, chlorophyll a, raffinose, fructose, glucose, carotene, violaxanthin, and xanthophylls. The study suggests that lighting and Zn concentrations significantly impact lettuce growth, biochemical properties, and nutritional quality, particularly at the baby leaf stage. Full article

For photosynthesis, oxygenic phototrophic organisms necessarily contain not only chlorophylls but also carotenoids. Various carotenoids have been identified in algae and taxonomic studies of algae have been conducted. In this review, the relationship between the distribution of chlorophylls and carotenoids and the phylogeny of sea and freshwater oxygenic phototrophs, including cyanobacteria, red algae, brown algae, and green algae, is summarized. These phototrophs contain division- or class-specific chlorophylls and carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, peridinin, diadinoxanthin, and siphonaxanthin. The distribution of β-carotene and its derivatives, including β-carotene, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, fucoxanthin, and peridinin (β-branch carotenoids), are limited to divisions of a part of Rhodophyta, Cryptophyta, Heterokontophyta, Haptophyta, and Dinophyta. Meanwhile, the distribution of α-carotene and its derivatives, such as lutein, loroxanthin, and siphonaxanthin (α-branch carotenoids), are limited to divisions of a part of Rhodophyta (macrophytic type), Cryptophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorarachniophyta, and Chlorophyta. In addition, carotenogenesis pathways are also discussed based on the chemical structures of carotenoids and the known characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes in other organisms. The specific genes and enzymes for carotenogenesis in algae are not yet known. Most carotenoids bind to membrane-bound pigment-protein complexes, such as reaction centers and light-harvesting complexes. Some carotenoids function in photosynthesis and are briefly summarized. Water-soluble peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP) and orange carotenoid protein (OCP) have also been characterized. This review is a summary and update from the previous review on the distribution of major carotenoids, primary carotenogenesis pathways, and the characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes and genes. Full article