BCDO2 Activators

BCDO2 include a variety of carotenoids that engage the enzyme's oxidative cleavage activity, revealing the multifaceted nature of its functional activation. Retinal, a derivative of vitamin A, serves as a crucial cofactor for BCDO2, playing an essential role in its ability to cleave beta-carotene. The presence of retinal not only facilitates the catalytic efficiency of BCDO2 but is also indispensable for its enzymatic function. Similarly, apo-8'-carotenal and canthaxanthin are competitive substrates for BCDO2, and their interaction with the enzyme ensures that it remains in an active conformation, ready to catalyze the cleavage of carotenoids. Astaxanthin and lycopene, both being substrates, directly engage the enzyme's active site and by presenting themselves for oxidative cleavage, actively involve BCDO2's enzymatic function.

Further expanding the spectrum of chemical activators, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and violaxanthin also serve as effective substrates that undergo oxidative cleavage by BCDO2, signifying the enzyme's activation. Each of these carotenoids, by acting as a substrate, confirms the active catalytic state of BCDO2 as it processes them. Capsanthin, similarly, by being processed by BCDO2, implies the activation of the enzyme's cleavage activity, a critical aspect of its function. Beta-Apo-8'-carotenal, another derivative of beta-carotene, binds to and activates BCDO2, engaging its oxidative cleavage function. Lastly, fucoxanthin and neoxanthin, though structurally distinct, also act as substrates for BCDO2 and their cleavage by the enzyme is a testament to its active functional state. The processing of these diverse carotenoids by BCDO2 underscores the enzyme's role in oxidative cleavage and its ability to interact with a broad range of carotenoid substrates, thereby maintaining a constant state of activation.