Methods of increasing or decreasing carotenoids and other isoprenoids using IPP isomerase

摘要

The present invention describes the DNA sequence for eukaryotic genes encoding epsi cyclase, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) isomerase and beta-carotene hydroxylase as well as vectors containing the same and host cells transformed with said vectors. The epsi cyclase and beta-carotene hydroxylase genes disclosed include those from A. thaliana; the IPP isomerase genes disclosed include those from A. thaliana, H. pluvialis, and marigold. The present invention also provides methods for controlling the ratio of various carotenoids in a host cell and for the production of novel carotenoid pigments. The present invention also provides a method for screening for eukaryotic genes encoding carotenoid biosynthesis enzymes.