Abstract
Fungal carotenoids are synthesized by the isoprenoid pathway with isopentenyl pyrophosphate as the general precursor. They are found in all divisions of the fungal realm, and several are at the edge of being exploited at an industrial scale for satisfying an increasing demand for carotenoid pigments, food and feed additives, and components of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Fungi as carotenoid source are highly appealing. At least prospectively, they should be easier amenable to genetic manipulation than plants, and thus will allow tailoring of specially designed substances. Genes for carotenoid synthesis were cloned from many different fungi. In order to stimulate further functional studies on genetic pathways for internal and environmental regulation of carotene synthesis, modification and degradation, an overview on the situation in the most thoroughly studied model organisms is presented. The role of carotenoids as antioxidants, light protective substances and as signalling compounds is discussed.
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