Beta, beta-carotene 15,15'-enzymes, nucleic acid sequences coding therefor and their use

Abstract

Nucleic acid sequences coding for a protein having β,β-carotene 15,15′ enzyme activity and their uses in diagnostics, the synthesis of vitamin A and methods for the introduction of the β,β-carotene 15,15′ enzyme cDNA into host cells are disclosed.

1 . An isolated polypeptide having β,β-carotene 15,15′ enzyme activity comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 or a polypeptide having β,β-carotene 15,15′ enzyme activity and being at least 60% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 1 as determined by the Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package GCG, Version 9.1 (1997).  
     
     
         2 . An isolated polypeptide according to  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide is at least 70% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 1.  
     
     
         3 . An isolated polypeptide according to  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide is at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 1.  
     
     
         4 . An isolated polypeptide according to  claim 1  wherein the polypeptide is at least 90% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 1.  
     
     
         5 . An isolated polypeptide according to  claim 1  which is derived from chicken.  
     
     
         6 - 31 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         32 . An isolated polypeptide having β,β-carotene 15,15′ enzyme activity comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 4.  
     
     
         33 - 35 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         36 . An isolated polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 1.  
     
     
         37 . An isolated polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 4.