Unraveling the Molecular Basis of Mycosporine Biosynthesis in Fungi.

The UCD 67-385 genome harbors a 7873 bp cluster containing , and , encoding 2-desmethy-4-deoxygadusol synthase, O-methyl transferase, and ATP-grasp ligase, respectively, of the mycosporine glutaminol (MG) biosynthesis pathway. Homozygous deletion mutants of the entire cluster, single-gene mutants, and the Δ;Δ and Δ;Δ double-gene mutants did not produce mycosporines. However, Δ accumulated the intermediate 4-deoxygadusol.

Isolation and Selection of New Astaxanthin-Producing Strains of Phaffia rhodozyma.

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll pigment of high economic value for its use as a feeding component in aquaculture. Phaffia rhodozyma (Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) is a basidiomycetous fungi able to synthesize astaxanthin as its major carotenoid, the only known yeast species bearing the capability to produce this type of carotenoid and the only tremellomycetes with biotechnological application. Recently, the habitat and intraspecific variability of this species have been found to be wider than previously expected, encouraging the search for new wild strains with potential biotechnological applications.

PCR-based method for the rapid identification of astaxanthin-accumulating yeasts (Phaffia spp.).

It has been recently found that the natural distribution, habitat, and genetic diversity of astaxanthin-producing yeasts (i.e. Phaffia rhodozyma, synonym Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) is much greater than previously thought.

UV Sunscreens of Microbial Origin: Mycosporines and Mycosporine- like Aminoacids.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is harmful to living organisms, causing damage to macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. Depending on the wavelength, the injury could be direct or indirect through reactive oxygen intermediates, so it is desirable to find compounds that can reduce both. Many organic chemicals used in commercial sunscreen possess estrogenic activity in vivo.