Molecular and Genetic Medicine

William WN Chen

Publications

• Mini Review
  The Production, Regulation and Extraction of Carotenoids from Rhodosporidium toruloides
  Author(s): Jaslyn JL Lee and William WN ChenJaslyn JL Lee and William WN Chen
  
  Carotenoids are valuable pigments of commercial interest for various health benefits. There is rising demand for natural carotenoids from microorganisms, although the majority of industrially produced carotenoids are currently chemically synthesized. Rhodosporidium toruloides is oleaginous red yeast, which can produce large amounts of carotenoids and lipids simultaneously. It is also able to assimilate waste substrates as a carbon source. In this review we propose that Rhodosporidium toruloides's high lipid accumulating ability, is linked to its ability to also produce carotenoids. We provide details of the production and regulation of carotenoids and lipids biosynthesis in this yeast, which appear to be in sync. We attribute this to the fact that the simultaneous production of carotenoids and lipids is advantageous for the cells to maintain proper structure, function and membrane.. Read More»
  

  Abstract PDF