title: Subcellular Localization of Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
abstract: The biosynthesis pathway of carotenoids in cyanobacteria is partly described. However, the subcellular localization of individual steps is so far unknown. Carotenoid analysis of different membrane subfractions in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 shows that "light" plasma membranes have a high carotenoid/protein ratio, when compared to "heavier" plasma membranes or thylakoids. The localization of CrtQ and CrtO, two well-defined carotenoid synthesis pathway enzymes in Synechocystis, was studied by epitope tagging and western blots. Both enzymes are locally more abundant in plasma membranes than in thylakoids, implying that the plasma membrane has higher synthesis rates of β-carotene precursor molecules and echinenone.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
authors.forename: Lifang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
authors.forename: Tiago Toscano
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Selão
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Center, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Selstam
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Norling
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D053898:Biosynthetic Pathways; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D013347:Subcellular Fractions; D046939:Synechocystis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002338:Carotenoids