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Astaxanthin and Related Xanthophylls

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Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites

Part of the book series: Fungal Biology ((FUNGBIO))

Abstract

This chapter describes astaxanthin and other xanthophylls, which are a class of carotenoids with oxygenated groups in their structure and characteristic vivid colors. Taking astaxanthin as a key example, the presented concepts focus on the functional aspects and applications of xanthophylls, such as their nutritional value, potential for protection against free radicals, benefits for human and animal health and economic importance. The metabolic pathway leading to the biosynthesis of astaxanthin is described in two steps: (1) the formation of β(beta)-carotene and (2) the formation of astaxanthin from β(beta)-carotene. In describing these steps, a comparative analysis is made of the intermediates, enzymes, and genes involved in several organisms. In addition, different strategies for genetic improvements that would enhance astaxanthin production in the basidiomycetous yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous are discussed. Finally, an overview of the complexity of the molecular mechanisms regulating the biosynthesis of astaxanthin in this yeast is presented.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by projects: Fondecyt 11121200 and INACH RG_07-12 to JA, Fondecyt 1130333 to MB and Fondecyt 1100324 to VC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile

    Jennifer Alcaino, Marcelo Baeza & Victor Cifuentes

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  1. Jennifer Alcaino
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  2. Marcelo Baeza
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  3. Victor Cifuentes
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Correspondence to Victor Cifuentes .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain

    Juan-Francisco Martín

  2. Parque Científico de León, Instituto de Biotecnología de León (INBIOTEC), León, Spain

    Carlos García-Estrada

  3. Institute of Chemical Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria

    Susanne Zeilinger

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Alcaino, J., Baeza, M., Cifuentes, V. (2014). Astaxanthin and Related Xanthophylls. In: Martín, JF., García-Estrada, C., Zeilinger, S. (eds) Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites. Fungal Biology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1191-2_9

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