title: De novo synthesis of a sunscreen compound in vertebrates.
abstract: Ultraviolet-protective compounds, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and related gadusols produced by some bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine invertebrates, are critical for the survival of reef-building corals and other marine organisms exposed to high-solar irradiance. These compounds have also been found in marine fish, where their accumulation is thought to be of dietary or symbiont origin. In this study, we report the unexpected discovery that fish can synthesize gadusol de novo and that the analogous pathways are also present in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Furthermore, we demonstrate that engineered yeast containing the fish genes can produce and secrete gadusol. The discovery of the gadusol pathway in vertebrates provides a platform for understanding its role in these animals, and the possibility of engineering yeast to efficiently produce a natural sunscreen and antioxidant presents an avenue for its large-scale production for possible use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Osborn
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Khaled H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Almabruk
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Garrett
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Holzwarth
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Shumpei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asamizu
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: LaDu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Kelsey M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kean
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: P Andrew
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Karplus
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Tanguay
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Alan T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Bakalinsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States.
authors.forename: Taifo
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9639-526X
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mahmud
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005399:Fishes; D005658:Fungi; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014714:Vertebrates
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; C034120:gadusol
keywords: 2-epi-5-epi-valiolone synthase; E. coli; S. cerevisiae; biochemistry; ecology; gadusol; mycosporine; sunscreen; vertebrates; zebrafish