The biosynthesis of triterpenoid carotenoids in Streptococcus faecium UNH 564P

31 May 1982

journal article
research article
Published by Canadian Science Publishing in Canadian Journal of Biochemistry

Vol. 60 (6) , 684-692
https://doi.org/10.1139/o82-084

Abstract

Cell-free enzyme preparations from S. faecium UNH 564P and Phycomyces blakesleeanus strain C5-car 10(-) were used to study the incorporation of [14C]isopentenyl pyrophosphate and either all-trans-[4,8,12-3H]farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) or all-trans-[4,8,12,16-3H]geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) into squalene and carotenoids of the organisms. The triterpenoid (C30) carotenoids of S. faecium are formed by condensation of 2 molecules of FPP similar to squalene biosynthesis rather than by condensation of 2 molecules of GGPP with subsequent degradation. Additional studies have shown that carotenoid glucoside biosynthesis in S. faecium extracts is stimulated by the addition of glucose and UDP-glucose. Such glucoside biosynthesis appears maximal in systems exposed to aeration. THe triterpenoid carotenoids in S. faecium are symmetrical and are representatives of a unique new class of carotenoids.

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