Can the Consumption of Tomatoes or Lycopene Reduce Cancer Risk?

Assessing the potentials of bacterial antagonists for plant growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and biological control of Southern blight disease in tomato

Southern blight of tomato caused by Sclerotium rolfsii can cause severe plant mortality and yield losses. The use of rhizobacteria for the biological control of Southern blight disease is a potent alternative to chemical fungicides. Although rhizobacteria are prolific candidates, comprehensive reports regarding their use in tomato disease management are limited. The present study screened six rhizobacterial strains for antagonism against S. rolfsii in dual culture and culture filtrate assays. The selected promising strains were tested further for plant-growth-promoting and biocontrol potentials under in vitro, greenhouse, and field conditions. Of the six strains screened, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia PPB3 and Bacillus subtilis PPB9 showed the superior performance displaying the highest antagonism against S. rolfsii in dual culture (PPB3 88% and PPB9 71% inhibition), and culture filtrate assays (PPB3 53–100% and PPB9 54–100% inhibition at various concentrations). Oxalic acid produced by S. rolfsii was significantly inhibited by both rhizobacteria and supported their growth as a carbon source. The strains produced hydrogen cyanide, chitinases, siderophores, biofilm, and indole acetic acid. They showed the potential to solubilize phosphate and fix nitrogen. Seed treatment with S. maltophilia PPB3 and B. subtilis PPB9 improved seed germination and tomato seedling vigour. Significant increases in plant growth, chlorophyll contents, and N, P, and K concentrations were attained in bacterized plants compared to non-treated controls. The application of antagonists on container-grown seedlings in a greenhouse environment and field-grown tomato plants reduced symptoms of damping-off and Southern blight. The sclerotial counts decreased significantly in these soils. Bacteria-inoculated plants had a higher yield than those in the non-treated control. Bacteria colonized the entire roots, and their populations increased significantly in the protected plants. The results show the potential capabilities of S. maltophilia PPB3 and B. subtilis PPB9 for growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and biocontrol of southern blight disease in tomatoes.

Potential of Carotenoids from Fresh Tomatoes and Their Availability in Processed Tomato-Based Products

The high consumption of tomatoes worldwide has made them an essential source of health-promoting carotenoids that prevent a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes are available year-round, consumed fresh, and used as a raw material for the production of many processed products, such as juices, pastes, and purees. A plethora of carotenoids has been characterized in tomatoes. Most of the relevant carotenoids in the human bloodstream are supplied by fresh and processed tomatoes. Lycopene is the predominant carotenoid in tomato and tomato-based food products. Other carotenoids such as α-, β-, γ- and ξ-carotene, phytoene, phytofluene, neurosporene, and lutein are present in tomatoes and related products. There is a growing body of evidence that these bioactive compounds possess beneficial properties, namely anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects among other health benefits, due to their antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic properties. This chapter analyzes the carotenoid composition of tomatoes and their based products as major contributors to the chronic disease-preventive properties.

Promising Natural Products in New Drug Design, Development, and Therapy for Skin Disorders: An Overview of Scientific Evidence and Understanding Their Mechanism of Action

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, composed of the epidermis and the dermis. It provides protection and acts as a barrier against external menaces like allergens, chemicals, systemic toxicity, and infectious organisms. Skin disorders like cancer, dermatitis, psoriasis, wounds, skin aging, acne, and skin infection occur frequently and can impact human life. According to a growing body of evidence, several studies have reported that natural products have the potential for treating skin disorders. Building on this information, this review provides brief information about the action of the most important in vitro and in vivo research on the use of ten selected natural products in inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious skin disorders and their mechanisms that have been reported to date. The related studies and articles were searched from several databases, including PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Ten natural products that have been reported widely on skin disorders were reviewed in this study, with most showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer effects as the main therapeutic actions. Overall, most of the natural products reported in this review can reduce and suppress inflammatory markers, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), induce cancer cell death through apoptosis, and prevent bacteria, fungal, and virus infections indicating their potentials. This review also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of natural products in transdermal/topical delivery systems and their safety considerations for skin disorders. Our findings indicated that natural products might be a low-cost, well-tolerated, and safe treatment for skin diseases. However, a larger number of clinical trials are required to validate these findings. Natural products in combination with modern drugs, as well as the development of novel delivery mechanisms, represent a very promising area for future drug discovery of these natural leads against skin disorders.

Investigating into anti-cancer potential of lycopene: Molecular targets

Lycopene, the main pigment of tomatoes, possess the strongest antioxidant activity among carotenoids. Lycopene has unique structure and chemical properties. We searched the literature, via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Google database so on to screen citations from inception to Oct 2020 for inclusion in this study. We found that as a common phytochemical, it did not attract much attention in the past few years. However, recent studies have indicated that, in addition to antioxidant activity and the second stage of detoxification, the anticancer of lycopene is also considered to be an important determinant of tumor development including the inhibition of cell proliferation, inhibition of cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The effect mechanisms of lycopene are related to the regulation of several signal transduction pathways, such as PI3K/Akt pathway, modulation of insulin-like growth factors system, the suppression of activity of sex steroid hormones, the modification of relevant gene expression, and the alteration of mitochondrial function. These novel findings have suggested that lycopene acts as a promising functional natural pigment, and may be associated with a decreased risk of different types of cancer. This review presents the latest knowledge with respect to its molecular mechanisms and its molecular targets of the inhibitory effects on carcinogenesis.

The Evolving Role of Natural Compounds in the Medical Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (UFs) remain a significant health issue for many women, with a disproportionate impact on women of color, likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. The prevalence of UFs is estimated to be approximately 70% depending on population. UF-derived clinical symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal and voiding problems, as well as impaired fertility. Nowadays numerous methods of UF treatment are available-from conservative treatment to invasive surgeries. Selecting an appropriate treatment option should be individualized and adjusted to the patient's expectations as much as possible. So far, the mainstay of treatment is surgery, but their negative impact of future fertility is clear. On the other hand, emerging new pharmaceutical options have significant adverse effects like liver function impairment, hot flashes, bone density loss, endometrial changes, and inability to attempt conception during treatment. Several natural compounds are found to help treat UFs and relieve their symptoms. In this review we summarize all the current available data about natural compounds that may be beneficial for patients with UFs, especially those who want to preserve their future fertility or have treatment while actively pursuing conception. Vitamin D, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, curcumin, and others are being used as alternative UF treatments. Moreover, we propose the concept of using combined therapies of natural compounds on their own or combined with hormonal agents to manage UFs. There is a strong need for more human clinical trials involving these compounds before promoting widespread usage.

The Solanum melongena COP1 delays fruit ripening and influences ethylene signaling in tomato

The regulatory protein CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC (COP) 1 is a key repressor of photomorphogenesis; it regulates numerous developmental processes and responds to biotic and abiotic stress in plants. Here, we report the role of a novel and uncharacterized Solanum melongena COP1 (SmCOP1) gene in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) during fruit ripening. It was observed that SmCOP1 expressed in mature leaves and fruits, while the transcripts of SmCOP1 increased significantly with the onset of fruit ripening in tomato. To further understand the SmCOP1 function, an overexpression (OE) vector carrying SmCOP1 gene was constructed and transformed into tomato plants. The OE of SmCOP1 delays fruit ripening by about three to six days compared to the wild-type (WT) fruits. SmCOP1-OE fruits decreased while seedlings increased their ethylene production in comparison with the WT. Moreover, the ethylene biosynthesis genes (ACO1, ACO3, and ACS2) and ethylene inducible genes (E4 and E8), which participate in tomato fruit ripening, were suppressed. The carotenoid accumulation and expression level of carotenoid biosynthesis genes such as phytoene synthase 1 (PSY1), phytoene desaturase, (PDS), and zeta-carotene desaturase (ZDS) were also reduced in OE fruits. Additionally, total chlorophyll contents were reduced, and expression of chlorophyll biosynthesis genes were significantly down-regulated in SmCOP1-OE lines. The SmCOP1-OE seedlings showed shorter hypocotyl lengths and were more sensitive to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) than were WT seedlings. In summary, SmCOP1-OE plays a pivotal role in the inhibition of tomato fruit ripening, reducing carotenoid contents and lowering ethylene production in fruits.

The Mediterranean Diet, a Rich Source of Angiopreventive Compounds in Cancer

Diet-based chemoprevention of cancer has emerged as an interesting approach to evade the disease or even target its early phases, reducing its incidence or slowing down tumor progression. In its basis in the essential role of angiogenesis for tumor growth and metastasis, angioprevention proposes the use of inhibitors of angiogenesis in cancer prevention. The anti-angiogenic potential exhibited by many natural compounds contained in many Mediterranean diet constituents makes this dietary pattern especially interesting as a source of chemopreventive agents, defined within the angioprevention strategy. In this review, we focus on natural bioactive compounds derived from the main foods included in the Mediterranean diet that display anti-angiogenic activity, as well as their possible use as angiopreventive agents.

A tomato B-box protein SlBBX20 modulates carotenoid biosynthesis by directly activating PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1, and is targeted for 26S proteasome-mediated degradation

Carotenoids play important roles in many biological processes, such as light harvesting, photoprotection and visual attraction in plants. However, the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis is still not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that SlBBX20, a B-box (BBX) zinc-finger transcription factor, is a positive regulator of carotenoid accumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Overexpression of SlBBX20 leads to dark green fruits and leaves and higher levels of carotenoids relative to the wild-type. Interactions between SlBBX20 and DE-ETIOLATED 1 (SlDET1) lead to the ubiquitination and 26S proteasome-mediated degradation of SlBBX20. Moreover, deficiencies in the components of the CUL4-DDB1-DET1 complex enhanced the stability of the SlBBX20 protein. Thus, we conclude that SlBBX20 is a substrate of the CUL4-DDB1-DET1 E3 ligase. SlBBX20 can activate the expression of PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1, encoding a key enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis, by directly binding to a G-box motif in its promoter, which results in the elevated levels of carotenoids in SlBBX20 overexpression lines. We identified a key regulator of carotenoid biosynthesis and demonstrated that the stability of SlBBX20 is regulated by ubiquitination. These findings provide us a new target for the genetic improvement of the nutritional quality of tomato fruit.

Vitamin K and its analogs: Potential avenues for prostate cancer management

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between cancer incidence and dietary habits. Especially intake of certain essential nutrients like vitamins has been shown to be beneficial in experimental studies and some clinical trials. Vitamin K (VK) is an essential nutrient involved in the blood clotting cascade, and there are considerable experimental data demonstrating its potential anticancer activity in several cancer types including prostate cancer. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have focused mainly on anti-oxidative effects as the underlying anticancer mechanism of VK. However, recent studies reveal that VK inhibits the growth of cancer cells through other mechanisms, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and modulation of various transcription factors such as Myc and Fos. In the present review, we focus on the anticancer effect of dietary VK and its analogs on prostate cancer, with an emphasis on the signaling pathways that are activated following exposure to these compounds. This review also highlights the potential of VK and its derivatives as an adjuvant treatment in combination with other vitamins or with chemotherapeutic drugs. Based on our recent results and a review of the existing literature, we present evidence that VK and its derivatives can potentially be explored as cancer therapy, especially for prostate cancer.

Effects of dietary components on cancer of the digestive system

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in developed countries and poor diet and physical inactivity are major risk factors in cancer-related deaths. Therefore, interventions to reduce levels of smoking, improve diet, and increase physical activity must become much higher priorities in the general population's health and health care systems. The consumption of fruit and vegetables exerts a preventive effect towards cancer and in recent years natural dietary agents have attracted great attention in the scientific community and among the general public. Foods, such as tomatoes, olive oil, broccoli, garlic, onions, berries, soy bean, honey, tea, aloe vera, grapes, rosemary, basil, chili peppers, carrots, pomegranate, and curcuma contain active components that can influence the initiation and the progression of carcinogenesis, acting on pathways implied in cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. The present review illustrates the main foods and their active components, including their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and pro-apoptotic properties, with a particular focus on the evidence related to cancers of the digestive system.

Reduction of oxalate levels in tomato fruit and consequent metabolic remodeling following overexpression of a fungal oxalate decarboxylase

The plant metabolite oxalic acid is increasingly recognized as a food toxin with negative effects on human nutrition. Decarboxylative degradation of oxalic acid is catalyzed, in a substrate-specific reaction, by oxalate decarboxylase (OXDC), forming formic acid and carbon dioxide. Attempts to date to reduce oxalic acid levels and to understand the biological significance of OXDC in crop plants have met with little success. To investigate the role of OXDC and the metabolic consequences of oxalate down-regulation in a heterotrophic, oxalic acid-accumulating fruit, we generated transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants expressing an OXDC (FvOXDC) from the fungus Flammulina velutipes specifically in the fruit. These E8.2-OXDC fruit showed up to a 90% reduction in oxalate content, which correlated with concomitant increases in calcium, iron, and citrate. Expression of OXDC affected neither carbon dioxide assimilation rates nor resulted in any detectable morphological differences in the transgenic plants. Comparative proteomic analysis suggested that metabolic remodeling was associated with the decrease in oxalate content in transgenic fruit. Examination of the E8.2-OXDC fruit proteome revealed that OXDC-responsive proteins involved in metabolism and stress responses represented the most substantially up- and down-regulated categories, respectively, in the transgenic fruit, compared with those of wild-type plants. Collectively, our study provides insights into OXDC-regulated metabolic networks and may provide a widely applicable strategy for enhancing crop nutritional value.

Apo-8'-lycopenal induces expression of HO-1 and NQO-1 via the ERK/p38-Nrf2-ARE pathway in human HepG2 cells

Lycopene and its metabolite apo-10'-lycopenoic acid have been shown to induce phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) transcription system. However, little is known about whether apo-8'-lyocpenal, one of the main metabolites of lycopene in rat livers, in lycopene-containing food, and in human plasma, has similar effects. This study investigated the effect of apo-8'-lycopenal on Nrf2-ARE system-mediated heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) expression in human HepG2 cells. It was found that apo-8'-lycopenal (1-10 μM) significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation, ARE-luciferase activity, Nrf2-ARE binding activity, chymotrypsin-like activity, and downstream HO-1 and NQO-1 expression, but decreased cytosolic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expression. Results also revealed that the ERK/p38-Nrf2 pathway is involved in activation of HO-1 and NQO-1 expression by apo-8'-lycopenal using Nrf2 siRNA and ERK/p38 specific inhibitors. In addition, the activation time of lycopene on nuclear Nrf2 accumulation is slower than that of apo-8'-lycopenal, suggesting that the chemopreventive effects of lycopene may be partially attributed to its metabolites.

Anti-angiogenic effects of two cystine-knot miniproteins from tomato fruit

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cystine-knot miniproteins are characterized by a similar molecular structure. Some cystine-knot miniproteins display therapeutically useful biological activities, as antithrombotic agents or tumour growth inhibitors. A critical event in the progression of tumours is the formation of new blood vessels. The aim of this work was to test two tomato cystine-knot miniproteins for their effects on endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Two tomato cystine-knot miniproteins (TCMPs) were expressed and purified either as recombinant or as native proteins from tomato fruits. The Matrigel assay was used to investigate the effects of TCMPs on in vitro angiogenesis. Viability and proliferation of endothelial cells were tested. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation was assayed in either HUVEC or A431 epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-overexpressing cells treated with TCMPs. EGFR phosphorylation was tested in A431 cells.

KEY RESULTS

Both recombinant and native TCMPs inhibited in vitro angiogenesis of HUVEC cells at concentrations of 15-100 nM. The anti-angiogenic effect of TCMPs was associated with the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. The two miniproteins did not alter the viability and proliferation of the endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The anti-angiogenetic properties of TCMPs are of potential pharmacological interest because they are common and natural components of the human diet, they possess low toxicity, they are active at submicromolar concentrations, they share a common molecular structure that can be used as a molecular platform for the design of molecules with enhanced biological activity.

Altered plastid levels and potential for improved fruit nutrient content by downregulation of the tomato DDB1-interacting protein CUL4

Fruits are a major source of nutrition in human diets, providing carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and phytonutrients. Carotenoids are a principal class of compounds found in many fruits, providing nutritional benefits both as precursors to essential vitamins and as antioxidants. Molecular characterization revealed that the tomato high pigment mutant genes (hp1 and hp2) encode UV-DAMAGED DNA BINDING PROTEIN-1 (DDB1) and DE-ETIOLATED-1 (DET1) homologs, respectively, and both are essential components of the recently identified CUL4-based E3 ligase complex. Here we have isolated a tomato CUL4 homolog and performed yeast two-hybrid assays to suggest possible association of tomato DDB1 with CUL4 and DET1. Real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that both HP1 and CUL4 are expressed constitutively. Abscisic acid is implicated in plastid division control and its application substantially enhances HP1/DDB1 mRNA accumulation. Transformation of constructs expressing CUL4-YFP and DDB1-YFP fusion proteins driven by the CaMV 35S promoter reveals that both CUL4 and DDB1 are targeted to tomato plastids and nuclei simultaneously. Using fruit-specific promoters combined with RNAi technology, we show that downregulated DDB1 expression in transgenic fruits results in a significant increase in the number of plastids and corresponding enhanced pigment accumulation. CUL4-RNAi repression lines provide insight regarding CUL4 function during tomato development, and reveal that this tomato cullin is important in the regulation of plastid number and pigmentation, which in turn have a direct impact on fruit nutrient quality.

Melanoma chemoprevention

BACKGROUND

Despite efforts to promote sun protection behaviors, melanoma incidence continues to increase. The prognosis of advanced melanoma remains extremely poor in spite of treatment advances, emphasizing the importance of exploring additional preventive measures.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to summarize the results of published research on candidate chemoprevention agents for melanoma.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the literature.

RESULTS

Investigation into a possible role in melanoma chemoprevention continues for multiple agents, including sunscreen, lipid-lowering medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dietary nutrients, immunomodulators, and other drugs, including retinoids, difluoromethylornithine, and T4 endonuclease V.

LIMITATIONS

Systematic review of the literature was not performed.

CONCLUSION

Because no agent yet emerges as a clear choice for effective melanoma chemoprevention, sun avoidance and sun protection remain the mainstay of melanoma prevention for persons at high risk.

Plasma lycopene, other carotenoids, and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women

The authors conducted a nested case-control study from 1992 to 2003 among US women aged 45 years or older and free from cardiovascular disease and cancer to examine the prospective association among plasma lycopene, other carotenoids, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During 10 years of follow-up, 470 cases of incident type 2 diabetes were selected and individually matched on age (+/- 1 year) and follow-up time to 470 nondiabetic controls. Baseline plasma levels of lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin were similar in cases and controls (all p > 0.05). A possible crude inverse association between plasma lycopene and risk of type 2 diabetes was attenuated upon multivariate adjustment. After control for plasma total cholesterol and known diabetes risk factors, the multivariate odds ratios of type 2 diabetes in the highest versus the lowest quartile of plasma carotenoids were 1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60, 2.13) for lycopene, 1.27 (95% CI: 0.63, 2.57) for alpha-carotene, 1.10 (95% CI: 0.57, 2.13) for beta-carotene, 0.91 (95% CI: 0.46, 1.81) for beta-cryptoxanthin, and 1.35 (95% CI: 0.68, 2.69) for lutein/zeaxanthin. There was no prospective association between baseline plasma carotenoids and the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older women.

Physiologically attainable concentrations of lycopene induce mitochondrial apoptosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Studies show that people with diets rich in tomato-based foods have reduced risks of cancer, viz., prostate cancer. This is attributed, in part, to lycopene, the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes. Thus, we studied the effect of lycopene at physiologically attainable concentrations on apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and necrosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. Cells at 37 degrees C and >80% confluency were treated with media alone (0.32% tetrahydrofuran vehicle) or with increasing concentrations (0.3-3.0 microM) of lycopene overnight. After washing monolayers, analyses by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that cellular accumulation of lycopene was 5.5 +/- 0.8, 14.0 +/- 3.2, and 36.7 +/- 12.3 pmole/10(6) cells for 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 muM, respectively, and not detected in control cells. Lycopene did not alter cellular proliferation because bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell numbers were identical among groups. However, results of a 3[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that mitochondrial function decreased 61%-83% with increasing concentrations of lycopene (P < 0.001). Cytotoxicity and necrosis did not contribute to this effect because lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (1.5%-1.8%) and trypan blue exclusion (89%-93%) were similar. Subsequently, we demonstrated that increasing concentrations of lycopene significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mitochondrial transmembrane potential, induced the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, and increased annexin V binding, confirming induction of apoptosis. Thus, lycopene at physiologically relevant concentrations did not affect cellular proliferation or promote necrosis but clearly altered mitochondrial function and induced apoptosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.

Signal transduction systems regulating fruit ripening

Fruit ripening is a unique aspect of plant development with direct implications for a large component of the food supply and related areas of human health and nutrition. Recent advances in ripening research have given insights into the molecular basis of conserved developmental signals coordinating the ripening process and suggest that sequences related to floral development genes might be logical targets for additional discovery. Recent characterization of hormonal and environmental signal transduction components active in tomato fruit ripening (particularly ethylene and light) show conservation of signaling components yet novel gene family size and expression motifs that might facilitate complete and timely manifestation of ripening phenotypes. Emerging genomics tools and approaches are rapidly providing new clues and candidate genes that are expanding the known regulatory circuitry of ripening.

Manipulation of light signal transduction as a means of modifying fruit nutritional quality in tomato

Fruit constitutes a major component of human diets, providing fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Carotenoids are a major class of compounds found in many fruits, providing nutritional benefits as precursors to essential vitamins and as antioxidants. Although recent gene isolation efforts and metabolic engineering have primarily targeted genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, factors that regulate flux through the carotenoid pathway remain largely unknown. Characterization of the tomato high-pigment mutations (hp1 and hp2) suggests the manipulation of light signal transduction machinery may be an effective approach toward practical manipulation of plant carotenoids. We demonstrate here that hp1 alleles represent mutations in a tomato UV-DAMAGED DNA-BINDING PROTEIN 1 (DDB1) homolog. We further demonstrate that two tomato light signal transduction genes, LeHY5 and LeCOP1LIKE, are positive and negative regulators of fruit pigmentation, respectively. Down-regulated LeHY5 plants exhibit defects in light responses, including inhibited seedling photomorphogenesis, loss of thylakoid organization, and reduced carotenoid accumulation. In contrast, repression of LeCOP1LIKE expression results in plants with exaggerated photomorphogenesis, dark green leaves, and elevated fruit carotenoid levels. These results suggest genes encoding components of light signal transduction machinery also influence fruit pigmentation and represent genetic tools for manipulation of fruit quality and nutritional value.