CsMYB213-CsbHLH35 module regulates theanine biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.).

ABSTRACT: Theanine is a non-protein free amino acid accumulated in tea plant leaves and makes a major contribution to the unique umami and sweet taste and a multitude of human health benefits of tea. However, its biosynthesis and transcriptional regulation in tea plant leaves remain to be fully understood. Here, we report that an R2R3-MYB CsMYB213 and a bHLH CsbHLH35 co-regulated two key theanine biosynthesis genes, CsTSI and CsAlaDC, and regulate the theanine biosynthesis in tea plant leaves in response to nitrogen availability. By combining extensive co-expression analyses on a large body of transcriptomic data with validation through yeast one-hybrid, gel shift, dual-luciferase reporter assays as well as antisense inhibition experiments, we demonstrated that CsMYB213 bound to the promoters of CsT

SUBMITTER: Xie N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310841 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature