Apocarotenoids in Nature

Biosynthesis, Regulation, Function and Uses
Erscheinungsjahr 2027
ISBN: 978-3-032-42230-9
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 367 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

Reihe: Subcellular Biochemistry

This volume explores the multifaceted world of apocarotenoids, tracing their historical discovery and exploring cutting-edge research on their microbial production and biosynthetic pathways. Readers will discover the complex role apocarotenoids play in regulating plant stress responses, developmental transitions, and ecological interactions, including their influence on plant-microbe and plant-insect dynamics.

Apocarotenoids are a fascinating and diverse class of natural compounds derived from the oxidative breakdown of carotenoids, vibrant pigments found in plants, algae, fungi, and some bacteria. While carotenoids are known for their role in photosynthesis and photoprotection, apocarotenoids represent a more complex and biologically potent subset. These truncated molecules, typically containing fewer than 40 carbon atoms, are formed through enzymatic or non-enzymatic processes and play a critical role in plant development, signaling, and defense. Key chapters go into detail about the molecular mechanisms behind carotenoid cleavage enzymes, crocetin biosynthesis, and the signaling functions of strigolactones, apocarotenoids that mediate both beneficial symbiosis and parasitic invasions. The book also highlights the promising health benefits of compounds such as bixin from achiote ( ), positioning apocarotenoids as emerging functional food ingredients with therapeutic potential.

With a specific focus on the effectiveness of apocarotenoids in combating metabolic disorders, this work connects plant science with human health, offering information on their nutritional value and pharmacological potential. From their ecological relevance to their biomedical applications, Apocarotenoids: Bridging Plant Biology and Human Health is an essential resource for researchers, students, and professionals in plant biology, biochemistry, nutrition, and natural product chemistry.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Simkin, Andrew

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Botanik
• Technische Wissenschaften Verfahrenstechnik | Chemieingenieurwesen | Biotechnologie Biotechnologie
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Molekularbiologie
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biochemie (nichtmedizinisch)

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Apocarotenoids: A Brief History in Time.- Microbial Production of Apocarotenoids.- Heterologous Expression Systems for Apocarotenoid Production for Industrial Applications.- The Roles of Apocarotenoids in Plant Development and Environmental Interactions.- Strigolactones: Reliable Messengers for Friends and Foes.- Apocarotenoids in Plant, Insect, and Microbe Interactions.- Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases Involved in Crocetin Biosynthesis.- Bixin and other Apocarotenoids from Achiote ( ): Promising Functional Food and Health Benefits.- Apocarotenoids and their Industrial Importance.- Apocarotenoids as Dietary Supplements: An Emerging Nutraceutical.

Über Autor(innen)

Dr Simkin is Director of the Essex Plant Innovation Centre (EPIC) at the University of Essex where he was a lecturer focusing on improving yield in wheat through manipulation of photosynthetic efficiency. A key area of Dr Simkin’s experience is the study of carotenoid deposition in tomato, pepper and coffee and carotenoid cleavage enzymes implicated in the generation of numerous volatile and non-volatile organic compounds implicated tomato fruit quality and aroma (ie ß-ionone). He has previously worked at Syngenta with tomato plants to improve fruit quality and yield and the study of coffee genetics to improve aroma/flavour quality and productivity with Nestlé. Dr Simkin has also worked on the subcellular localisation of enzymes implicated in indole alkaloid metabolism in the Madagascar periwinkle ( ), a pantropical Apocynaceae that synthesises a wide range of economically important pharmaceuticals. Dr Simin has more than 25 years’ experience in Primary and secondary plant metabolism