Researchers have successfully identified and reconstructed a gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of myxol—a rare monocyclic carotenoid with strong antioxidant activity—in the genome of Nonlabens spongiae, a marine flavobacterium. By introducing this gene cluster into Escherichia coli, the team achieved efficient microbial production of myxol, reaching approximately 400 mg/L. This study is the first to demonstrate artificial myxol production via a single DNA construct, revealing the functions of all related biosynthetic genes. This work opens new avenues for the sustainable and scalable production of health-promoting carotenoids through metabolic engineering.

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/16/2/202