Telegina TA, Vechtomova YL, Aybush AV, Buglak AA, Kritsky MS. Isomerization of carotenoids in photosynthesis and metabolic adaptation.
Biophys Rev 2023;
15:887-906. [PMID:
37974987 PMCID:
PMC10643480 DOI:
10.1007/s12551-023-01156-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, carotenoids are present as trans- and cis-isomers. Various physical and chemical factors like light, heat, acids, catalytic agents, and photosensitizers can contribute to the isomerization of carotenoids. Living organisms in the process of evolution have developed different mechanisms of adaptation to light stress, which can also involve isomeric forms of carotenoids. Particularly, light stress conditions can enhance isomerization processes. The purpose of this work is to review the recent studies on cis/trans isomerization of carotenoids as well as the role of carotenoid isomers for the light capture, energy transfer, photoprotection in light-harvesting complexes, and reaction centers of the photosynthetic apparatus of plants and other photosynthetic organisms. The review also presents recent studies of carotenoid isomers for the biomedical aspects, showing cis- and trans-isomers differ in bioavailability, antioxidant activity and biological activity, which can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
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