Anti-BCO2

This gene encodes an enzyme which oxidizes carotenoids such as beta-carotene during the biosynthesis of vitamin A. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. Protein function: Broad specificity mitochondrial dioxygenase that mediates the asymmetric oxidative cleavage of carotenoids. Cleaves carotenes (pure hydrocarbon carotenoids) such as all-trans-beta-carotene and lycopene as well as xanthophylls (oxygenated carotenoids) such as zeaxanthin, lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin at both the 9,10 and the 9',10' carbon- carbon double bond. Through its function in carotenoids metabolism regulates oxidative stress and the production of important signaling molecules. [The UniProt Consortium]