Production of Phytoene, an Oxidative Stress Protective Carotenoid, in Mammalian Cells by Introduction of Phytoene Synthase Gene crtB Isolated from a Bacterium Erwinia uredovora.

Carotenoids have been known to be effective in preventing a variety of diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular disorders. Mammalian cells cannot synthesize carotenoids and rely on a dietary source for their intake. Here we report the establishment of mammalian cells synthesizing phytoene, a kind of carotenoid, by introduction of thecrtB gene, phytoene synthase gene, which was previously cloned from a bacterium, Erwiuia uredovora. The phytoene-producing cells acquired a resistance against oxidative stress induced by Fe3+/adenosine 5'-diphosphate. The data suggest the feasibility of a genetic chemoprevention for oxidative stress-related disorders by endogenous synthesis of phytoene in mammalian cells.