A novel CrtZ carotenoid hydroxylase, isolated from Brevundimonas
vesicularis DC263, is provided that is useful for the production of
hydroxylated carotenoids. Additionally, a previously identified
hypothetical protein from Novosphingobium aromaticivorans has found to
have carotenoid hydroxylase activity. Both hydroxylase genes exhibit low
homology in comparison to other CrtZ hydroxylases previously reported.
Expression of the hydroxylases in heterologous host cells enabled
production of hydroxylated carotenoids.