REGULATION OF LYCOPENE BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE MUCOROUS FUNGUS BLAKESLEA-TRISPORA BY PYRIDINE-DERIVATIVES

Pyridine derivatives stimulated lycopene biosynthesis in Blakeslea tri spora. 6-Methyl-2-aminopyridine proved to be the most effective stimul ator. By using cycloheximide and actinomycin, it was shown that this s timulator represents a repressor of genes regulating de novo synthesis of specific enzyme(s). The effect of 6-methyl-2-aminopyridine on the composition of carotenoids from B. trispora suggested that it inhibite d cyclases and certain dehydrogenases and stimulated the synthesis of carotenoid pigments and their precursors. 6-Methyl-3-ethyl-3-hydroxypy ridine, an antioxidant, stimulated lycopene biosynthesis by producing an additive effect against the background addition of 6-methyl-2-amino pyridine. The conceivable biological role of lycopene in B. trispora i s suggested.