Showing metabocard for neurosporaxanthin (MMDBc0056215)
Record Information
Version
2.0
Status
Detected and Quantified
Creation Date
2022-06-17 20:19:44 UTC
Update Date
2025-10-07 16:09:40 UTC
Metabolite ID
MMDBc0056215
Metabolite Identification
Common Name
neurosporaxanthin
Description
Neurosporaxanthin is a carboxylic carotenoid, a subclass of the broader chemical class of carotenoids. Its unique chemical structure features a carboxylic end and a shorter length, which enhance its polarity relative to other carotenoids, alongside an unsubstituted β-ionone ring that allows for potential vitamin A formation. Neurosporaxanthin is synthesized by various species of ascomycete fungi and has been notably produced from the marine bacterium Rhodococcus ruber O16N, highlighting its potential as a valuable source for carotenoid production (PMID:38720660 ). The biosynthetic pathways for neurosporaxanthin involve enzymatic processes that can be optimized for yield, as demonstrated in studies with Fusarium fujikuroi, where its antioxidant properties were characterized (PMID:37864015 ). Furthermore, neurosporaxanthin has been investigated for its bioavailability and provitamin A activity in mice, showing greater bioavailability compared to other carotenoids like β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin (PMID:37864015 ). It is also a substrate for carotenoid-cleaving enzymes β-carotene-oxygenase 1 (BCO1) and 2 (BCO2), indicating its role in metabolic pathways related to vitamin A synthesis (PMID:37864015 ).
Bansal P, Morgat A, Axelsen KB, Muthukrishnan V, Coudert E, Aimo L, Hyka-Nouspikel N, Gasteiger E, Kerhornou A, Neto TB, Pozzato M, Blatter MC, Ignatchenko A, Redaschi N, Bridge A: Rhea, the reaction knowledgebase in 2022. Nucleic Acids Res. 2022 Jan 7;50(D1):D693-D700. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkab1016. [PubMed:34755880 ]