De novo synthesis of a sunscreen compound in vertebrates

Ultraviolet-protective compounds, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and related gadusols produced by some bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine invertebrates, are critical for the survival of reef-building corals and other marine organisms exposed to high-solar irradiance. These compounds hav...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:eLife 2015-05, Vol.4
Main Authors: Osborn, Andrew R, Almabruk, Khaled H, Holzwarth, Garrett, Asamizu, Shumpei, LaDu, Jane, Kean, Kelsey M, Karplus, P Andrew, Tanguay, Robert L, Bakalinsky, Alan T, Mahmud, Taifo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
2-epi-5-epi-valiolone synthase
Algae
Amino Acids - biosynthesis
Amino Acids - genetics
Amino Acids - metabolism
Anabaena variabilis
Animals
Antioxidants
Bacteria
Biochemistry
Biosynthesis
Coral reefs
Corals
Cosmetics
Cyanobacteria
Cyclohexanols - chemistry
Cyclohexanols - metabolism
E coli
Ecology
Enzymes
Fishes
Fungi
gadusol
Genes
Genomes
Marine organisms
mycosporine
Mycosporine-like amino acids
Natural products
Organisms, Genetically Modified
Phylogenetics
Plasmids
Proteins
Radiation-Protective Agents - chemistry
Reptiles & amphibians
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Short Report
Sunscreen
Transcription factors
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet Rays
vertebrate
Vertebrates
Zebrafish
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Summary:Ultraviolet-protective compounds, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and related gadusols produced by some bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine invertebrates, are critical for the survival of reef-building corals and other marine organisms exposed to high-solar irradiance. These compounds have also been found in marine fish, where their accumulation is thought to be of dietary or symbiont origin. In this study, we report the unexpected discovery that fish can synthesize gadusol de novo and that the analogous pathways are also present in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Furthermore, we demonstrate that engineered yeast containing the fish genes can produce and secrete gadusol. The discovery of the gadusol pathway in vertebrates provides a platform for understanding its role in these animals, and the possibility of engineering yeast to efficiently produce a natural sunscreen and antioxidant presents an avenue for its large-scale production for possible use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
ISSN:2050-084X
2050-084X
DOI:10.7554/elife.05919