Overexpression of ZWF1 and POS5 improves carotenoid biosynthesis in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae

NADPH is a key cofactor for carotenoid biosynthesis. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Zwf1) and an NADH kinase (Pos5) are effective NADPH-supplying sources in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When ZWF1 and POS5 were overexpressed in a carotenoid-producing S. cerevisiae strain individually, the total yield of lycopene and β-carotene increased by 59·9% and 81·4%, respectively, and the final product β-carotene yield increased by 18·8% and 65·6% respectively. This suggests the improvement of NADPH supply as a useful strategy for carotenoids biosynthesis.