1. Ktisis Cyprus University of Technology

Molecular analysis and biotechnological applications of olive plant enzymes involved in phenolic compounts with antioxidant activity

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Primary Data

Project title
Molecular analysis and biotechnological applications of olive plant enzymes involved in phenolic compounts with antioxidant activity
Code
OLIVE
Project Coordinator
Start date
30-04-2011
Expected Completion
29-04-2014
 

Description

Abstract
The main objective of this research project is the isolation and expression of genes encoding key enzymes that regulate the biosynthesis of antioxidant in the olive fruit and olive oil. The specific aims of the project are: a) The isolation, characterization and the study of the expression profile during fruit ripening of the β-glycosidase gene involved in the biosynthesis of potent olive antioxidants (i.e. conversion of oleuropein to the antioxidant derivative hydroxytyrosol), normally found in the olive oil and fruit b) The isolation and characterization of the cytochrome CYP-450 gene involved in the regulation of the biosynthesis of oeuropein, and the study of its expression profile during olive fruit ripening. c) The expression of these two enzymes into bacteria or yeast systems and the study of the biotechnological production of antioxidants. d) Transcription profile analysis of Olea europaea genes involved in antioxidant synthesis by the use of ESTs, (Expressed Sequence Tags) library from olive leaf trichomes (rich in antioxidants) and proteomics for the profiling of key enzymes involved in antioxidant production. This project will be developed with the cooperation of the group of Professor P. Hadjopoulos (Agricultural University of Athens), Dr. D. Tsaltas (the Cyprus University of Technology), the company Aegis and Professor C. Demoliou (Life and Health Sci. Dept., University of Nicosia) as the project coordinator.
 
Keyword(s)
Genes
Antioxidant
Olive fruit
Olive oil