Modulation of chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in Solanum lycopersicum; consequences for phenolic accumulation and UV-tolerance

Hydroxycinnamoyl CoA quinate transferase (HQT) mediates chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Our study revealed that increased chlorogenic acid accumulation was associated with UV-protection in transgenics with altered HQT activity. However, manipulation of HQT activity also resulted in more complex alterations in the profiles of phenolics. Our data suggests the existence of regulatory mechanisms that direct the flow of phenolic precursors in response to both metabolic parameters and environmental conditions.