Modification of targets related to the Entner-Doudoroff/pentose phosphate pathway route for methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate-dependent carotenoid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli.

Background: In engineered strains of Escherichia coli, bioconversion efficiency is determined by not only metabolic flux but also the turnover efficiency of relevant pathways. Methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP)-dependent carotenoid biosynthesis in E. coli requires efficient turnover of precursors and balanced flux among precursors, cofactors, and cellular energy.