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Related Experiment Videos

Cloning and characterization of the cDNA for lycopene beta-cyclase from tomato reveals decrease in its expression

I Pecker1, R Gabbay, F X Cunningham

  • 1Department of Genetics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.

Plant Molecular Biology
|February 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Lycopene cyclase (CrtL) gene expression decreases during tomato fruit ripening, leading to lycopene accumulation. This highlights transcriptional regulation as a key mechanism in carotenoid biosynthesis.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Carotenoids are vital plant pigments involved in photosynthesis and development.
  • Lycopene cyclase (CrtL) catalyzes a key step in carotenoid biosynthesis, converting lycopene to beta-carotene.
  • Understanding CrtL regulation is crucial for controlling carotenoid profiles in crops.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clone and functionally express the lycopene cyclase (CrtL) gene from tomato and tobacco.
  • To investigate the role of CrtL in carotenoid biosynthesis and its regulation during tomato fruit ripening.
  • To identify potential inhibitors of lycopene cyclase.

Main Methods:

  • cDNA cloning and functional expression of lycopene cyclase in Escherichia coli.
  • Enzyme characterization, including substrate specificity and inhibitor studies.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Quantitative analysis of CrtL and phytoene desaturase (Pds) mRNA levels during tomato fruit development using techniques like Northern blotting or RT-qPCR.

    • Main Results:

    • Lycopene cyclase was successfully cloned and expressed, confirming its role in converting lycopene to beta-carotene.
    • MPTA was identified as an inhibitor of lycopene cyclase.
    • CrtL mRNA levels decreased during the 'breaker' stage of tomato fruit ripening, while genes for early carotenoid pathway enzymes increased.
    • This down-regulation of CrtL correlates with lycopene accumulation in ripening tomato fruits.

    Conclusions:

    • Transcriptional down-regulation of the lycopene cyclase gene (CrtL) at the breaker stage is the primary reason for lycopene accumulation in tomato fruits.
    • Gene expression regulation, particularly at the transcriptional level, is a predominant mechanism controlling carotenogenesis.
    • The findings provide insights into the genetic basis of carotenoid production and potential targets for metabolic engineering.