Vertebrate and invertebrate carotenoid-binding proteins

Abstract

In invertebrates and vertebrates, carotenoids are ubiquitous colorants, antioxidants, and provitamin A compounds that must be absorbed from dietary sources and transported to target tissues where they are taken up and stabilized to perform their physiological functions. These processes occur in a specific and regulated manner mediated by high-affinity carotenoid-binding proteins. In this minireview, we examine the published literature on carotenoid-binding proteins in vertebrate and invertebrate systems, and we report our initial purification and characterization of a novel luteinbinding protein isolated from liver of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Interactions between canthaxanthin and lipid membranes — possible mechanisms of canthaxanthin toxicity

“…The incorporation of carotenoids into membranes is governed by their polarity and stereometry [39,53]. The localization and orientation of the xanthophylls within the lipid membrane are determined by the localization of the non-polar polyene chain, and by the localization of the hydrophilic groups, which remain in contact with the polar head groups of the lipid bilayer [40].…”

“…It has also been found in human lenses. The lutein-binding protein (qlLBP) was found and purified from quail liver, but has not yet been described in detail [53]. As both the macular pigments and canthaxanthin dissolve well in lipids and are frequently delivered unchanged to ocular tissues, it has been suggested that there is a high probability that they may follow the same absorptive pathways as other dietary lipids [54,55].…”

Crystallization of α- and β-carotene in the foregut of Spodoptera larvae feeding on a toxic food plant

“…Until recently, it was believed that all animals are incapable of synthesizing them de novo, and must acquire them from the diet (Bhosale and Bernstein, 2007;Goodwin, 1986). However, Moran and Jarvik (2010) reported the presence of carotenoid biosynthetic genes in aphids, which appear to have been laterally transferred from fungi.…”

Molecular Mechanisms of Larval Color Pattern Switch in the Swallowtail Butterfly

“…Other pigmentbinding proteins are less well known. Although carotenoid-binding protein (CBP) has been well studied in vertebrates (Bhosale and Bernstein 2007), few homologs have been recognized among the Lepidoptera. In Lepidoptera, the yellow-blood mutant (Y) of B. mori (which produces yellow cocoon) was identified (Tsuchida and Sakudoh 2015); however, the expression of BmCBP was not detected in the epidermis.…”