Carotenoid Profiling of a Red Seaweed Pyropia yezoensis: Insights into Biosynthetic Pathways in the Order Bangiales

Abstract

Carotenoids are natural pigments that contribute to light harvesting and photo-protection in photosynthetic organisms. In this study, we analyzed the carotenoid profiles, including mono-hydroxy and epoxy-carotenoids, in the economically valuable red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis, to clarify the detailed biosynthetic and metabolic pathways in the order Bangiales. P. yezoensis contained lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene, as major carotenoids in both the thallus and conchocelis stages. Monohydroxy intermediate carotenoids for the synthesis of lutein with an ε-ring from α-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin (β,ε-caroten-3’-ol), and zeinoxanthin (β,ε-caroten-3-ol) were identified. In addition, β-cryptoxanthin, an intermediate in zeaxanthin synthesis from β-carotene, was also detected. We also identified lutein-5,6-epoxide and antheraxanthin, which are metabolic products of epoxy conversion from lutein and zeaxanthin, respectively, by LC-MS and 1H-NMR. This is the first report of monohydroxy-carotenoids with an ε-ring and 5,6-epoxy-carotenoids in Bangiales. These results provide new insights into the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of carotenoids in red seaweeds.

Pyropia yezoensis Extract Suppresses IFN-Gamma- and TNF-Alpha-Induced Proinflammatory Chemokine Production in HaCaT Cells via the Down-Regulation of NF-κB

“…The α-cryptoxanthin and zeinoxanthin, which are monohydroxy-carotenoids, are produced as intermediates when lutein synthesis in α-carotene of P. yezoensis. Carotenoid compounds contribute to light harvesting and photo-protection and have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties [50]. Astaxanthin has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects with nerve inflammation, gastric inflammation, and heat stress-induced inflammation [51][52][53].…”

Putative metabolic pathway for the bioproduction of bikaverin and intermediates thereof in the wild Fusarium oxysporum LCP531 strain

“…Such reports have never been made before, providing strong evidence that other versions of the bikaverin route exist and need to be elucidated. Similar work was performed on alternative routes for carotenoids synthesis in red seaweeds with particular intermediates that are different from the main terrestrial carotenoids pathway model known (Koizumi et al 2018). Moreover, to perform future rational-design engineering and/or strains optimization for the bioproduction of specific polyketides, better knowledge of the involved metabolic pathways and potential regulatory systems are key elements for success.…”

Potential TSPO Ligand and Photooxidation Quencher Isorenieratene from Arctic Ocean Rhodococcus sp. B7740

“…Carotenoid is one kind of natural essential pigment, which exists in almost all complex or unicellular organisms. For example, MXs also can be produced and collected from marine origin algal and microorganism [7,8,9]. They are presented in human diets as a nutrient enhancer, colorful agent, even medicine [10].…”