Methods for tuning carotenoid production levels and compositions in rhodosporidium and rhodotorula genera

A method for tuning the production level and composition of carotenoids in a fungal host comprising:

• (a) genetically manipulating a fungal host selected from the group consisting of Rhodosporidium and Rodotorula, wherein the genetic manipulation comprises deleting all or part of one or more polynucleotides selected from the group consisting of:
• (i) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12 or at least 95% identity thereto,
• (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:18 or at least 95% identity thereto, and
• (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:21 or at least 95% identity thereto,
• wherein the deletion of all or part of polynucleotide (i) totally inactivates the enzyme activity of the polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide (i),
• wherein the deletion of all or part of polynucleotide (ii) totally inactivates the enzyme activity of the polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide (ii), and
• wherein the deletion of all or part of polynucleotide (iii) totally inactivates the enzyme activity of the polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide (iii);
• and
• (b) growing the fungal host to produce carotenoids, wherein the carotenoids are selected from the group consisting of lycopene, beta-carotene, gamma-carotene, torulene and torularhodin or derivatives thereof,
• whereby the production level or composition of the carotenoids is tuned compared to a fungal host not having the genetic manipulation.