Insights into Tissue-specific Specialized Metabolism in Tieguanyin Tea Cultivar by Untargeted Metabolomics

Abstract

Tea plants produce extremely diverse and abundant specialized metabolites, the types and levels of which are developmentally and environmentally regulated. However, little is known about how developmental cues affect the synthesis of many of these molecules. In this study, we conducted a comparative profiling of specialized metabolites from six different tissues in a premium oolong tea cultivar, Tieguanyin, which is gaining worldwide popularity due to its uniquely rich flavors and health benefits. UPLC-QTOF MS combined with multivariate analyses tentatively identified 68 metabolites belonging to 11 metabolite classes, which exhibited sharp variations among tissues. Several metabolite classes, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and hydroxycinnamic acid amides were detected predominantly in certain plant tissues. In particular, tricoumaroyl spermidine and dicoumaroyl putrescine were discovered as unique tea flower metabolites. This study offers novel insights into tissue-specific specialized metabolism in Tieguanyin, which provides a good reference point to explore gene-metabolite relationships in this cultivar.

Seasonal Theanine Accumulation and Related Gene Expression in the Roots and Leaf Buds of Tea Plants (Camellia Sinensis L.)

“…These studies indicated that theanine accumulation was dynamically regulated by seasons (Konishi and Takahashi, 1969; Takeo, 1981; Janet et al, 2015), light (Yang et al, 2012; Deng et al, 2013; Chen et al, 2017; Ji et al, 2018; Sano et al, 2018), nutrient levels (Takeo, 1981; Ruan et al, 2007; Ruan et al, 2010; Ruan et al, 2012; Huang et al, 2018; Kc et al, 2018; Zhu et al, 2019), hormones (Li et al, 2016a), developmental stages (Feldheim et al, 1986; Li et al, 2016b; Liu et al, 2017), and stress (Deng et al, 2012; Wang et al, 2016). Theanine accumulation is also highly tissue-and cultivar-dependent (Fang et al, 2017; Liu et al, 2017; Chen et al, 2018a; Chen et al, 2018b). Theanine accumulation, therefore, is dynamic and highly regulated.…”

Comparative metabolomics analysis of different sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) tissues reveals a tissue-specific accumulation of metabolites

“…Thus, widely targeted metabolomic analysis involving qualitative and quantitative detection of a high number of primary and secondary metabolites participating in diverse cellular activities [ 28 ] is required for: understanding the biological abilities of individual sesame tissues, a comprehensive analysis of gene-metabolites relationships, and for elaborating a suitable valorization plan of sesame leaves and flowers. This advanced method was useful in profiling tremendous plant species such as rice, tea, and tomato [ 6 , 28 , 29 ]. With the huge superficies of sesame grown annually worldwide, the valorization of wasted sesame biomass would generate additional profits to small-holder farmers and many industries.…”

“…Among natural products recognized worldwide with high therapeutic values, the plant's secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, and lignans, are the most sought after [1][2][3][4][5]. Studies have revealed that these metabolites occur in plants in a tissue-specific manner, and their content is influenced by the genetic and environmental factors [6][7][8][9]. In sesame, the diversity of bioactive phytochemicals is still not well understood.…”

Neuroprotective and Anti-Amyloid β Effect and Main Chemical Profiles of White Tea: Comparison Against Green, Oolong and Black Tea

“…Chemical profiling analysis was performed according to previous methods [49,50]. Briefly, freeze-dried tea leaves were individually ground to fine powders using precooled mortar and pestle.…”