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Metabolic engineering strategies for the production of beneficial carotenoids in plants

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Abstract

Adequate consumption of carotenoids including lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin have many benefits for human health. In plants, carotenoids are derived from isoprenoid precursors from the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway located in plastids. The MEP pathway is also required for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, terpenoids, plant hormones, and other metabolites. Despite its complexity and difficulty, various strategies have been successfully used to improve the carotenoid biosynthesis in plants through metabolic engineering. Here, these metabolic engineering strategies are reviewed. In addition, the development of gene stacking technologies for carotenoid biosynthesis is evaluated. These technologies will expedite our efforts to bring the health benefits of carotenoids and other nutritional compounds to our diet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

    Sujata K. Bhatia

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Victor M. Ye

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  1. Sujata K. Bhatia
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  2. Victor M. Ye
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Correspondence to Sujata K. Bhatia.

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Bhatia, S.K., Ye, V.M. Metabolic engineering strategies for the production of beneficial carotenoids in plants. Food Sci Biotechnol 21, 1511–1517 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-012-0201-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-012-0201-3

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