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.
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion
Highly expressed in retinal pigment epithelium. Also expressed in stomach, small intestine, liver, testis, kidney, adrenal gland, pancreas, heart, skeletal muscle and prostate (at protein level).