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The CsHSFA-CsJAZ6 module mediated high temperature regulates flavonoid metabolism in Camellia sinensis
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  • Gaojie Hong,
  • Xueying Zhang,
  • Linying li,
  • Yuqing He,
  • Yao Zhao,
  • Han Tao,
  • Qingsheng Li
Gaojie Hong
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Virology and Biotechnology

Corresponding Author:gjhong@126.com

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Xueying Zhang
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Virology and Biotechnology
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Linying li
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Virology and Biotechnology
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Yuqing He
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Virology and Biotechnology
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Yao Zhao
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Virology and Biotechnology
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Han Tao
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Virology and Biotechnology
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Qingsheng Li
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences
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Abstract

High temperatures (HT) seriously affect the yield and quality of tea. Catechins, derived from the flavonoid pathway, are characteristic compounds that contribute to the flavor of tea leaves. In this study, we first showed that the flavonoid content of tea leaves was significantly reduced under HT conditions via metabolic profiles; and then demonstrated that two transcription factors, CsHSFA1b and CsHSFA2 were activated by HT and negatively regulate flavonoid biosynthesis during HT treatment. Jasmonate (JA), a defensive hormone, plays a key role in plant adaption to environmental stress. However, little has been reported on its involvement in HT response in tea. Herein, we demonstrated that CsHSFA1b and CsHSFA2 activate CsJAZ6 expression through directly binding to HSE elements in its promoter, and thereby repress the JA pathway. Most secondary metabolites are regulated by JA, including catechin in tea. Our study reported that CsJAZ6 directly interacts with CsEGL3 and CsTTG1 and thereby reduces catechin accumulation. From this, we proposed a CsHSFA-CsJAZ6 mediated HT regulation model of catechin biosynthesis. We also determined that negative regulation of the JA pathway by CsHSFAs and its homologues is conserved in Arabidopsis. These findings broaden the applicability of the regulation of JAZ by HSF transcription factors and further suggest the JA pathway as a valuable candidate for HT-resistant breeding and cultivation.