Beta-Carotene-15,15'-Monooxygenase 1 (bCMO1)

Vitamin A metabolism is important for vital processes such as vision, embryonic development, cell differentiation, and membrane and skin protection. Beta-carotene 15,15-prime-monooxygenase (EC 1.13.11.21) is a key enzyme in beta-carotene metabolism to vitamin A.

Beta Carotene 15,15-Monooxygenase 1 a protein that shares 36.7% sequence identity with the bovine retinal pigment epithelium-specific gene Rpe65. They found that recombinant Drosophila Bcdo catalyzes centric cleavage of beta-carotene, resulting in the formation of 2 molecules of retinal. RT-PCR detected Bcdo expression exclusively in Drosophila head. Bcmo1 as critical molecular player for the regulation of PPARγ activity in adipocytes.