CsbZIP1-CsMYB12 mediates the production of bitter-tasting flavonols in tea plants (Camellia sinensis) through a coordinated activator-repressor network.

ABSTRACT: Under high light conditions or UV radiation, tea plant leaves produce more flavonols, which contribute to the bitter taste of tea; however, neither the flavonol biosynthesis pathways nor the regulation of their production are well understood. Intriguingly, tea leaf flavonols are enhanced by UV-B but reduced by shading treatment. CsFLS, CsUGT78A14, CsMYB12, and CsbZIP1 were upregulated by UV-B radiation and downregulated by shading. CsMYB12 and CsbZIP1 bound to the promoters of CsFLS and CsUGT78A14, respectively, and activated their expression individually. CsbZIP1 positively regulated CsMYB12 and interacted with CsMYB12, which specifically activated flavonol biosynthesis. Meanwhile, CsPIF3 and two MYB repressor genes, CsMYB4 and CsMYB7, displayed expression patterns opposite to that of CsM

SUBMITTER: Zhao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8087823 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature