Light-dependent regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis in plants

Abstract

Carotenoids are colored terpenes synthesized in plants, algae and some yeasts and bacteria. In plants and algae, these lipophilic molecules exert functional roles in hormone synthesis, photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis and photoprotection. Additionally, they possess antioxidant properties and act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species. During the past decade almost all of the carotenogenic genes have been identifi ed by molecular, genetic and biochemical approaches in the Arabidopsis thaliana model system. Carotenoid biosynthesis in plants is highly regulated, although all of the processes involved have not yet been identifi ed. In this work, we review the mechanisms involved in the lightmediated regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis and the effect of light on the levels of expression of carotenogenic genes in higher plants. It has been shown that light induces the expression of carotenogenic genes during leaf and fl ower development and during fruit ripening. During these processes, photoreceptors are activated by light and translocated to the nucleus, leading to the induction of carotenogenic gene transcription. The molecular insight gained into the lightregulated expression of carotenoid genes will facilitate our understanding of the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis. Manipulation of light signaling is also a genetic tool for altering color and nutritional value in plants, leading to the production of novel functional foods.

Optimization of callus and cell suspension cultures of Barringtonia racemosa (Lecythidaceae family) for lycopene production

“…On the other hand, light is a stimulus that activates a broad range of plant genes related to photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis. Carotenoids are required during photosynthesis in plants and algae, and, therefore, genes that direct the biosynthesis of carotenoids in these organisms are also regulated by light (Pizarro and Stange, 2009). …”

Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis: A Colorful Pathway

“…The production of carotenoids is dynamically regulated throughout the plant life cycle by developmental signals but also in response to external environmental stimuli (Hirschberg, 2001;Pizarro and Stange, 2009; during tomato fruit ripening is triggered by a developmental program but it can also be strongly influenced by light or temperature changes. Tomato fruit ripening is actually one of the best studied systems for the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis.…”

Bioactive compounds from brown seaweeds: Phloroglucinol, fucoxanthin and fucoidan as promising therapeutic agents against breast cancer

“…Carotenoids are tetraterpenoids with a specific linear C 40 molecular backbone and are represented by more than 600 known natural structural variants (Mikami and Hosokawa, 2013;Pizarro and Stange, 2009;Tapiero et al, 2004). They are colorful pigments synthesized in plants, seaweeds and other photosynthetic organisms as well in some non-photosynthetic bacteria and are involved in photosynthesis, hormonal synthesis, photoprotection and photomorphogenesis (Balboa et al, 2013a;Stahl and Sies, 2005;Tapiero et al, 2004).…”