Open AccessStructural and functional analysis of the gene cluster encoding carotenoid biosynthesis in Mycobacterium aurum A+
Author(s) -
Viveiros Miguel,
Krubasik Philipp,
Sandmann Gerhard,
HoussainiIraqui Mohamed
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2000.tb09143.x
Subject(s) - phytoene desaturase , complementation , gene cluster , biology , operon , gene , carotenoid , phytoene , genetics , mutant , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , biosynthesis
The fragment containing the carotenoid gene cluster from Mycobacterium aurum A+, a 3,3′‐dihydroxy‐isoneriatene and 3‐monohydroxy‐isoneriatene accumulator, has been sequenced and the exposed eight genes are organised in two operons. The function of three of these genes, a phytoene desaturase ( crtI ), a phytoene cyclase ( crtY ) and a β‐carotene desaturase ( crtU ), was demonstrated by complementation of M. aurum carotenoid mutants. The eight genes of the carotenoid cluster are highly homologous to other carotenoid gene clusters and thus this cluster is a candidate for its introduction into mycobacteria as a non‐antibiotic reporter gene(s) as well as a source of new regulated promoters.