Carotenoids and their metabolites are widespread and exert key biological functions in living
organisms. In vertebrates, the carotenoid oxygenase BCMO1 converts carotenoids such as …

Humans depend on a dietary intake of lipids to maintain optimal health. Among various
classes of dietary lipids, the physiological importance of carotenoids is still controversially …

A family of enzymes collectively referred to as carotenoid cleavage oxygenases is responsible
for oxidative conversion of carotenoids into apocarotenoids, including retinoids (vitamin A …

Pre-mRNA splicing factors play a fundamental role in regulating transcript diversity both
temporally and spatially. Genetic defects in several spliceosome components have been linked …

The photochemistry of vision employs opsins and geometric isomerization of their covalently
bound retinylidine chromophores. In different animal classes, these light receptors …

The formal first step in in vitamin A metabolism is the conversion of its natural precursor β,β-carotene
(C40) to retinaldehyde (C20). This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme β,β-carotene…

Synthetic 9-cis-stereoisomers of vitamin A (all-trans-retinol) are especially promising agents
for the fight against blinding diseases. Several studies suggested that 9-cis-β,β-carotene (9-…

Metazoan photochemistry involves cis–trans isomerization of a retinylidene chromophore
bound to G protein coupled receptors. Successful production of chromophores is critical for …

The responses of subjects taking a 20 mg/day lutein diacetate supplement were compared
with that for a 20 mg/day crystalline lutein or a placebo. Ten subjects, assigned to each of …

A cycle of cis-to-trans isomerization of the chromophore is intrinsic to vertebrate vision where
rod and cone photoreceptors mediate dim-and bright-light vision, respectively. Daylight …