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PubMed2026

Standard tea intake is causally associated with a reduced risk of wet age-related macular degeneration: a Mendelian randomization study.

Researchers have posited that increased consumption of tea and coffee may be associated with more favorable treatment outcomes in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, there is no clear evidence regarding the causal associations. To delve deeper into this potential connection, scientists used a rigorous method known as Mendelian randomization (MR). This technique was used to explore the causal impact of tea and coffee consumption on the development or progression of AMD. With the aim of investigating the cause-and-effect relationship between 16 tea- and coffee-consuming subtypes and 3 AMD, we designed a two-sample MR study using comprehensive data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The major approach adopted was inverse variance weighting (IVW). Furthermore, we implemented complementary methods like the weighted median (WM), weighted mode, and MR-Egger to strengthen our findings. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out, and Cochran's Q tests, were used to validate results, explore heterogeneity and pleiotropy, and pinpoint potential biases. Two hundred and sixty-eight instrumental variables were selected for MR analysis. The results showed that standard tea intake may be a protective factor for wet AMD [odds ratio (OR) = 0.7076, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5776-0.8668, P = 8 × 10-4, PFDR = 0.0402]. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the results are robust. Our findings provide genetic evidence that standard tea intake is a protective factor against wet AMD, providing new insights into early risk stratification and prevention strategies for the disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates the potential causal relationship between tea and coffee consumption and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using Mendelian randomization. Analyzing data from genome-wide association studies, we focused on 16 beverage subtypes and 3 AMD conditions. Our findings suggest that standard tea consumption may protect against wet AMD, with robust evidence supporting this link. The results offer new insights into risk stratification and prevention strategies for AMD, highlighting the importance of dietary factors in eye health.

Mendelian Randomization Analysis↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide identification and evolutionary analysis of the ERF-VII gene family in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and functional characterization of CsRAP2.2 in response to cold stress.

The ERF-VII gene family, a critical branch of the AP2/ERF superfamily, is central to plant stress adaptation. However, its evolutionary history and function in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) remain unclear. Here, we performed integrated evolutionary, genomic, and functional analyses of ERF-VII genes across 14 plant lineages and 20 tea plant cultivars. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that ERF-VII proteins originated after vascular plant divergence, coinciding with the emergence of the N-terminal MCGGA/I motif linked to the oxygen-dependent N-degron pathway. Gymnosperms retained few conserved members, whereas angiosperms exhibited lineage-specific expansion-extensive in monocots via whole-genome duplication, moderate in eudicots with functional diversification. Pan-genome analysis across 20 tea plant cultivars further revealed varietal differences in ERF-VII gene distribution. Transcriptome profiling via the Tea Plant Information Archive identified CsRAP2.2 as a cold-inducible ERF-VII member with sustained expression under low-temperature stress. Functional assays demonstrated that silencing CsRAP2.2 reduced cold tolerance, while overexpression in tea leaves and heterologous expression in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced cold tolerance by maintaining photosystem II efficiency, reducing membrane lipid peroxidation, and improving antioxidant capacity. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis positioned CsRAP2.2 as a regulatory hub integrating cold, hormone, and oxygen-sensing pathways. These results clarify the evolutionary trajectory of ERF-VII genes and establish CsRAP2.2 as a core cold-tolerance regulator in tea plant. These findings may inform future breeding of cold-resilient tea cultivars.

Camellia sinensis↗

PubMed2026

Influence of built environment on occupational health of women workers in tea plantations of India: a systematic review.

The built environment, comprising homes, buildings, roads, public spaces, infrastructure, land use, civic design, and amenities, has a considerable influence on occupational health. In India's tea plantations, where women comprise majority of the workforce, the built environment plays a crucial role in determining occupational health. The aforementioned point can be explained by the co-occurrence of living and working conditions, which often coexist in tea plantations, further resulting in vulnerabilities to the health of women workers. Therefore, to understand the influence of built environment on the occupational health of women workers in tea plantations of India, the present paper employs a systematic review using the PRISMA 2020 framework. In the first search, 421 studies were identified, of which 21 studies met all the inclusion criteria. A quality appraisal and risk of bias of the included studies have been undertaken. The results identified that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most prevalent occupational health consequence, affecting over 80 % of the women workers in Indian tea plantations, substantiated by a range of estimates in the studies reviewed. Gendered disparities in wage earning, self-autonomy, and dual responsibilities often lead to emotional distress, as delineated in minimal of the reviewed studies, grounded on self-disclosed or qualitative analysis. Further, deprived housing conditions and other facilities across the reviewed studies reflect institutional negligence. Therefore, by conducting a systematic synthesis of occupational health of women workers in the Indian tea plantation sector through the lens of the built environment, prior accounts have been extended. Addressing these issues is essential for safeguarding women workers, which will ensure the longevity of the Indian tea industry.

Female↗

PubMed2025

CsMYB219 and CsMYB196 influence epigallocatechin gallate biosynthesis in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) by regulating CsSCPL1A gene expression.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active catechin in tea leaves and has been widely utilized in the development of functional foods. EGCG is catalyzed by serine carboxypeptidase-like 1A (CsSCPL1A) acyltransferases in tea plants. Although CsSCPL family genes are regulated by several transcription factors (TFs), systematic studies on their regulation by MYB TFs are lacking. This study integrates targeted metabolomics, transcriptomics, DNA-protein, and protein-protein interaction analyses to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of EGCG biosynthesis-related genes CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5-1 by R2R3-MYB TFs. CsMYB219 and CsMYB196 can specifically bind to CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5-1 promoters and activate their expression. CsMYB196 also interacted with CsTT8a and CsTTG1 to activate the transcription activity of CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5-1 promoters by forming a MYB/bHLH/WD40 (MBW) complex. Promoter truncation assays delineated MYB-responsive cis-elements in CsSCPL4 (-613 to -1 bp with enhancers at -1967 to -1622) and CsSCPL5-1 (-503 to -296 bp). Silencing of CsMYB219 and CsMYB196 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assay significantly reduced the expression levels of CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5-1 and EGCG content in tea leaves. Transient overexpression of CsMYB219 and CsMYB196 in tea leaves upregulated CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5-1 expression and elevated EGCG content. These findings enhance our understanding of the regulatory network underlying EGCG biosynthesis in tea plants and provide a solid foundation for future genetic improvement of tea plant cultivars.

Catechin↗

PubMed2026

Integrated metabolomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses reveal changes in the non-volatile metabolite profile of LED light-withered oolong tea.

LED light withering is a crucial method for overcoming weather limitations and enhancing the quality of oolong tea. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, this study simulated solar spectra using multiwavelength LED light and compared the resulting metabolic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiles during the enzymatic-catalysis process (ECP) in oolong tea processing. Results indicated that LED light withering altered gene expression and protein regulation of secondary metabolism, particularly in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. These shifts encompassed key quality-related compounds, including flavonoids (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, dihydroquercetin), amino acids (L-asparagine, L-histidine), guanosine 5'-monophosphate (GMP), and carbohydrates. Furthermore, LED light withering accelerated tea leaf water loss, influenced gene expression involved in photosynthetic cellular components (chloroplasts, thylakoids), increased ascorbate peroxidase regulation under stress, and subsequently modulated energy metabolism and signal transduction in tea leaves. This study offers molecular theoretical framework for the controlled light-withering of oolong tea under bad weather and the associated improvements in its quality.

Camellia sinensis↗

PubMed2026

Microbial diversity, functional activities, and safety risks in fermented tea: a comprehensive review.

Microbial fermented teas are gaining global popularity due to their unique sensory profiles and health benefits. The quality and safety of these products are governed by complex microbial ecosystems that orchestrate the biotransformation of tea leaf components. This review addresses a critical paradox in the field: the same microbial activities that generate desirable bioactive metabolites, such as theabrownins and organic acids, also create ecological niches for mycotoxigenic fungi, posing significant health risks from contaminants like ochratoxin A, citrinin, and aflatoxins. While extensive research has cataloged the microbial diversity in these systems, a comprehensive framework linking processing environments to microbial community assembly, functional outcomes, and quantifiable safety risks remains elusive. This review systematically bridges this gap by synthesizing current knowledge on the microbial consortia-dominated by Aspergillus, Penicillium, Bacillus, and Lactiplantibacillus species-that drive tea fermentation. We critically analyze their functional roles in enhancing flavor, bioactivity, and potential probiotic activity while simultaneously evaluating the mechanisms of mycotoxin production and accumulation. By integrating microbial ecology, biochemistry, and food safety, we propose a forward-looking perspective focused on transitioning the industry from traditional, spontaneous fermentation to modern, controlled biotechnological processes. This approach, centered on the use of defined starter cultures, predictive modeling, and active biocontrol strategies, provides a roadmap for ensuring the consistent quality and safety of fermented tea products, ultimately unlocking their full potential as high-quality functional foods.

Tea↗

PubMed2026

Metagenomic Insights Into Microbial Diversity of Tea Rhizosphere of the Kangra Valley.

This study provides the first metagenomic assessment of microbial diversity from the tea rhizosphere of the Kangra valley. Tea rhizosphere soil samples were collected from 4 locations (Dharamshala, Baijnath, Palampur, and Joginder Nagar) of the Kangra valley. DNA extracts of rhizosphere samples were analysed for bacterial and Archaeal diversity using amplicon sequencing (V3-V4) region of the 16S rRNA gene and Fungal diversity using ITS1 and ITS2 regions. Baijnath and Palampur samples showed the highest bacterial richness, while Dharamshala and Palampur had the highest fungal richness. Proteobacteria was a dominant phylum in all the rhizosphere samples, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. A total of 11 fungal phyla were identified among all the locations, with abundance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. For the Archaea domain, uncultured archaeon and Aeropyrum camini were the most common found among all the locations. A small fraction (< 0.5%) of Bacillus and Pseudomonas species were observed among all the locations. Alpha and beta diversity indices displayed notable differences within and between microbial diversities. Soil factors were variably associated with microbial diversity, with nitrogen positively aligned with fungal diversity, while EC and K were associated with Archaeal diversity. Soil pH and OM% showed moderate associations with bacterial diversity. These findings provided valuable and comprehensive insights into tea rhizosphere microbial ecology and could be used to better understand microbial functions and their role in plant health.

Rhizosphere↗

PubMed2026

Enhancement flavor quality in Zhao'an Baxian oolong tea through enhanced turning-over process.

A systematical investigation on the effects of turning-over intensity on the flavor formation of Zhao'an Baxian oolong tea (ZBT) was performed, through a comparative analysis of heavy turning-over (HT) and light turning-over (LT) treatments in this study. The tea samples were subjected to proteomic and metabolomic analyses, combined with quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and electronic sensory (E-tongue/E-nose) evaluation. The results demonstrate that HT significantly reduced the content of bitter and astringent compounds, such as catechins and flavonol glycosides, while promoting the accumulation of umami-related amino acids. Concurrently, HT enhanced the biosynthesis of key floral and fruity volatiles, such as β-ocimene, geraniol, benzaldehyde, jasmone by activating stress-responsive metabolic pathways. These coordinated biochemical changes, driven by enzyme-catalyzed reactions in response to prolonged mechanical wounding and environmental stress, collectively improved the overall sensory profile of ZBT. These findings provide a mechanistic foundation for improving ZBT production, with clear implications for quality control and flavor-oriented product development.

Tea↗

PubMed2026

Cis-regulatory evolution of CsANS1 drives cultivar variation in anthocyanin accumulation in tea plants.

Anthocyanins, a ubiquitous class of water-soluble phytochemicals renowned for their chromatic diversity and potent bioactivity, are integral to the phenotypic and metabolic plasticity of higher plants. Using an integrative multi-omics approach that combines transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, we identified anthocyanin synthase (CsANS1) as the key genetic determinant responsible for interspecific variation in anthocyanin accumulation among tea plants. Architectural comparison of promoter regions revealed a 192-bp variation insertion in the CsANS1 cis-regulatory region with potential functional significance. This insertion was strictly conserved in anthocyanin-rich (purple-leaf) cultivars, including both natural and hybrid genotypes, but entirely missing in anthocyanin-deficient (green-leaf) cultivars. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that this insertion enhances promoter activity. Additionally, we delineated a tripartite regulatory axis comprising CsmiR156b, CsSPL9, and CsMYB75 which orchestrates the spatiotemporal modulation of CsANS1 expression and, consequently, anthocyanin biosynthesis. Collectively, these findings provide a mechanistic paradigm for anthocyanin polymorphism in tea plants, implicating both cis-regulatory evolution and transcriptional network synergy as pivotal drivers of phytochemical diversification.

Anthocyanins↗

PubMed2026

Network pharmacology-based prediction and experimental validation of the anti-hyperuricemic effects of oolong tea polyphenols.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify candidate therapeutic targets of oolong tea polyphenols (TP) against hyperuricemia (HUA) using network pharmacology and bioinformatics, and to validate the predicted molecular mechanism through in vivo experimentation. METHODS: Drug and disease targets were retrieved from public databases, and overlapping targets were identified by Venn diagram analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the shared targets, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. For in vivo validation, an HUA mouse model was established by 15 days of oral potassium oxonate (PO) administration. Model mice then received TP by gavage at low (0.5 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1), medium (1 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1), or high (2 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1) doses for an additional 15 days. Serum biochemical markers, histopathological changes, and pathway-related protein expression were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis identified 59 overlapping targets between TP and HUA; GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that these targets were primarily associated with hormone metabolism and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In the animal experiment, TP dose-dependently reduced serum uric acid (SUA) levels in hyperuricemic mice. At the molecular level, low and medium doses of TP suppressed phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), whereas the high dose paradoxically activated this pathway and concomitantly elevated interleukin-1β levels. These findings indicate that TP modulates uric acid metabolism through a non-monotonic, dose-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSION: By combining network pharmacology with animal experiments, this study identified the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway as a likely mediator of the anti-hyperuricemic action of oolong tea polyphenols (TP). A medium dose of TP achieved the most balanced outcome, attenuating inflammation and preserving hepatic and renal architecture; the high dose, by contrast, paradoxically elevated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and overactivated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, underscoring the importance of dose calibration. These data suggest that a medium dose of TP may represent a feasible dietary strategy against hyperuricemia. Further work-including monomer identification, direct target validation, and clinical evaluation-is warranted to confirm and extend these preclinical findings.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway↗

PubMed2026

Multi-omics insights into aroma formation in congou black tea during fermentation.

This study used multi-omics technologies to analyze aroma formation during Congou black tea fermentation. Volatile compounds were analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry using two columns of different polarity. Fermentation increased total volatile normalized peak area fivefold, with alcohols, aldehydes, and acids increasing over sevenfold. 29 differential metabolites were screened, including amino acid derived phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethanol, and 2-methylbutanal; fatty acid derived (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, hexanal, and 1-hexanol; and isoprenoid derived linalool, geraniol, and beta ionone. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and enzyme analyses revealed that biosynthesis contributed to early accumulation of amino acid and isoprenoid derived aromas, whereas ortho quinone mediated Strecker degradation and free radical induced fatty acid auto oxidation dominated generation of amino and fatty acid derived aromas during middle and late fermentation. In conclusion, aroma formation during fermentation results from biosynthesis and non-enzymatic oxidation, with the latter possibly dominating amino and fatty acid derived aromas.

Fermentation↗

PubMed2026

Alginate-based edible coating incorporating green tea extract for preserving postharvest quality and safety of white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus).

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a sodium alginate based edible coating incorporated with green tea extract (GTE) (Camellia sinensis) on the postharvest quality attributes and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes in white mushrooms during refrigerated storage. The phenolic profile of GTE was characterized, and its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against L. monocytogenes (1.6 mg/mL) was determined. Sodium alginate coatings, with (ALG-GTE) or without GTE (ALG) at MIC (1.6 mg/mL), were characterized (functional groups, solubility in water, moisture, thickness, water contact angle and color) for their chemical and physical properties. The effects of ALG-GTE coatings on quality parameters (firmness, weight loss, color, pH, sugars and organic acids), enzymatic activity [polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and pectin methylesterase (PME)], antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes (5 log CFU/g), and surface characteristics (3D optical profilometry) were assessed in white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) during refrigerated storage (8 days, 4 ± 1 °C, 90-95% RH). The ALG-GTE coatings preserved sugar composition, particularly rhamnose, reduced organic acids accumulation and delayed weight and firmness loss, reduced color changes, and decreased PME activity in coated white mushrooms. L. monocytogenes counts decreased by 1.4 log CFU/g after 1 day, and no viable cells were detected after 2 days (< 1.5 log CFU/g) in ALG-GTE coated white mushrooms. In addition, ALG-GTE coated white mushrooms exhibited smoother surfaces than uncoated samples. These findings highlight the potential of ALG-GTE coatings as a sustainable alternative capable of improving the microbiological safety and delaying the postharvest changes in fresh mushrooms.

Agaricus↗

PubMed2026

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation versus acupressure on the trajectories of multidimensional adverse reactions to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy for breast cancer often induces multidimensional adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are interrelated and may evolve dynamically, impacting patients' treatment outcomes and quality of life. As non-pharmacological interventions, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and self-acupressure (SA) have shown potential in alleviating symptoms. However, their long-term effects on the joint developmental trajectories of these multidimensional symptoms (nausea and vomiting, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify potential trajectory class of multidimensional adverse reactions in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and to explore the differential effects of TEAS and SA on different trajectory subgroups. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. A total of 189 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were included. The Group-Based Multi-Trajectory Model (GBMTM) was employed to identify joint developmental trajectories of acute/delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), anxiety, depression, and sleep quality during chemotherapy. Subsequently, causal forest was used to analyze the average treatment effects (ATE) of TEAS (vs. control group) and SA (vs. control group) on patients' symptom trajectory. RESULTS: Multidimensional adverse reactions were classified into two heterogeneous trajectories: a "High Symptom Burden-Persistent (HSBP)" type (n = 101) and a "Low Symptom Burden-Relieving (LSBR)" type (n = 88). The persistent high incidence of acute CINV contrasted sharply with the comprehensive relief of other symptoms in the latter group. Causal forest suggested that both TEAS and SA significantly increased the probability of patients being classified into the "LSBR" trajectory. The ATE was 0.147 (95% CI: 0.143, 0.151) for TEAS, slightly lower (P < 0.05) than 0.176 (95% CI: 0.162, 0.190) for SA.  CONCLUSION: Multidimensional adverse reactions in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy exhibit heterogeneity in their trajectories. Both TEAS and SA were associated with a higher probability of patients being classified into a more favorable symptom trajectory-LSBR. The multidimensional trajectory identification with treatment effect estimation may serve as a useful analytical strategy for future longitudinal research in cancer chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions symptom management. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300077667 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, https://www.chictr.org.cn/ ), Registered 15 November 2023.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nerve injury in revision total elbow arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is technically demanding and carries a substantial risk of postoperative neurological complications because of scarring, altered anatomy, implant removal, and repeated humeral and ulnar exposure. The incidence, nerve distribution, and recovery profile of nerve injury after revision TEA remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to define the incidence, recovery profile, and risk factors for nerve injury after revision TEA. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. Thirteen retrospective case series were included, comprising 282 revision TEAs in 271 patients. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was undertaken where the data permitted. The primary outcome was postoperative nerve injury following revision TEA. Secondary outcomes included nerve type, recovery, secondary nerve-related procedures, infection, triceps insufficiency, metallosis, periprosthetic fracture, and re-revision. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of postoperative nerve injury was 22.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.3 to 29.6; I2 = 34.6%). The crude incidence was 60 of 282 revisions (21.3%, 95% CI 16.6 to 26.5). The ulnar nerve was involved in 66.7% of all nerve injuries, the radial nerve in 31.7%, and the median nerve in 1.7%. No significant difference in pooled nerve-injury incidence was identified between studies published before 2010 and those published from 2010 onwards (22.9% vs. 21.4%, P = .837). Recovery reporting was heterogeneous; among injuries with numerically extractable outcomes, 85.4% improved partially or completely (95% CI 72.2 to 93.9). Secondary nerve-related procedures were reported in 7 studies. Pooled complication estimates were 10.2% for infection, 13.6% for triceps insufficiency, 25.5% for metallosis, 15.9% for periprosthetic fracture, and 14.0% for re-revision. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative nerve injury is a common and clinically important complication of revision TEA, affecting approximately 1 in 5 cases. The ulnar nerve is most frequently involved, although radial nerve injury accounts for a substantial proportion of cases. Many neuropathies improve during follow-up, but persistent deficits and the need for secondary nerve-related procedures are not uncommon. Future studies should adopt standardized neurological definitions and reporting to improve comparability and guide preventive surgical strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Systematic mining and characterization of metal transporter families regulating zinc homeostasis provide insights into metal homeostasis in Camellia sinensis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Zinc is essential for tea plant growth and quality formation, yet its homeostatic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study identified metal transporter families regulating zinc homeostasis, analyzed their evolution, structure, and expression, and clarified zinc uptake, transport, detoxification networks, and their links to metabolism. METHODS: This study identified zinc homeostasis-related metal transporter families in the tea plant genome, characterized their structural features and expression profiles across tissues and developmental stages through integrative bioinformatics and transcriptomic analyses, and delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying zinc uptake, translocation, and detoxification by systematically integrating published evidence. RESULTS: This study identified 74 metal transporter genes from six families: 13 CsZIPs, 12 CsNRAMPs, 10 CsHMAs, 10 CsYSLs, 14 CsMTPs, and 15 CsCAXs in the 'Shuchazao2' genome, revealing closer affinity to woody species than to Arabidopsis. These proteins exhibit conserved domains, diverse subcellular localizations (cell membrane, vacuole, chloroplast, and Golgi apparatus), and tissue-specific expression with abundant stress/hormone-responsive cis-elements. At the plant-soil interface, tea plants mobilize rhizospheric zinc via proton and organic acid secretion; CsYSLs, CsNRAMPs, and CsZIPs mediate zinc uptake, aided by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that expand root absorption zones. Xylem CsHMAs and phloem CsYSLs coordinate root-to-shoot zinc translocation, and vacuolar transporters (CsMTPs, CsCAXs), cell wall immobilization, and antioxidant systems alleviate high-zinc stress injury. CONCLUSIONS: These findings collectively delineate an integrated zinc "acquisition-distribution-buffering" network in tea plants, offering a repertoire of candidate genes with potential utility in zinc biofortification breeding and improving acid soil adaptation. Further experimental validation, including tea transgenesis, zinc-stress qRT-PCR, and heterologous functional complementation, is essential to substantiate their biological roles.

Camellia sinensis↗

PubMed2026

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Caffeine Intake in Korean Twins.

Caffeine intake may be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This study aimed to examine the genetic contribution to variation in coffee and tea drinking, as well as total caffeine intake. A total of 1,106 Korean twins, comprising 456 monozygotic and 97 dizygotic twin pairs aged 30 years or older, from the Healthy Twin Study were included. Structural equation models were used to assess heritability estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heritability (95% CI) was estimated at 0.29 (0.21, 0.37) for coffee drinking, 0.11 (0.02, 0.20) for tea drinking, and 0.27 (0.16, 0.38) for total caffeine intake, with the remaining variance in each trait attributed to unique environmental factors. The unique environmental factors contributed more substantially to coffee drinking than genetic factors during early adulthood, while the genetic contribution to tea drinking remained consistently low across all ages. In conclusion, coffee drinking, tea drinking, and total caffeine intake were partly heritable, with unique environmental factors playing a predominant role.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Establishment of a cBSA-mediated miRNA delivery system in Camellia sinensis and functional validation of the Cs-miR163/CsSK1 module in cold stress response.

Cold stress severely limits tea (Camellia sinensis) yield and quality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of plant cold responses; however, in vivo functional validation in tea plants is hindered by the lack of efficient genetic transformation and nucleic acid delivery systems. In this study, a cationized bovine serum albumin (cBSA)-mediated miRNA delivery system was established in tea plants. The cold-responsive miRNA Cs-miR163 and its target gene CsSK1 (a negative regulator of cold tolerance) were used as a model. Direct cleavage of CsSK1 mRNA by Cs-miR163 was confirmed by 5' RLM-RACE and GUS transient expression assays, and enhanced cold tolerance was demonstrated in Arabidopsis overexpression lines. The cBSA preparation protocol was optimized, yielding stable cBSA/miRNA complexes with high protective capacity across temperatures of 15-35 °C and pH 4.5-7.2. Delivery parameters were systematically evaluated; optimal conditions were determined as 2 mg/mL cBSA with 10 nM miRNA and solution uptake into 3-cm cuttings for 5 days, enhancing miRNA delivery efficiency by approximately 48-fold. Transmission electron microscopy provided direct ultrastructural evidence that cBSA/miRNA nanocomplexes are internalized into tea plant cells via adsorptive-mediated endocytosis involving electrostatic membrane adsorption, membrane invagination, and cytoplasmic release. Under optimized conditions, cBSA-mediated delivery of Cs-miR163 silenced CsSK1 expression by approximately 72%, reduced relative electrolyte leakage and ROS accumulation, and markedly enhanced cold tolerance. The regulatory role of the Cs-miR163/CsSK1 module was clarified, and the established system provides a promising strategy for functional genomics in woody plants that warrants further testing in additional species and tissues.

Camellia sinensis↗

PubMed2026

Mining of CtOPR2 as an essential gene regulating jasmonic acid mediated insect tolerance in Camellia tachangensis through genome-wide association studies.

Jasmonic acid (JA), a pivotal lipid-derived phytohormone, serves as a critical regulator in plant growth and defense mechanisms. However, the genetic mechanisms of OPR2 gene in JA-dependent biotic defenses of Camellia tachangensis have rarely been investigated. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study to analyze 100,720 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 350 tea accessions from Guizhou province to identify genetic variations associated with JA. Analysis showed C. tachangensis displayed higher levels of JA content, further analysis identified 60 high-quality SNPs and nine candidate genes related to JA. Among them, CtOPR2 encoding 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductase 2 is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 4,5-didehydro-JA (4,5-ddh-JA) to JA. The expression level of CtOPR2 in three tea accessions with different JA content was consistent with the dynamic changes of JA content. The expression level of synthetic (AOS, AOC, and ACX) and responsive (WRKY18 and MYC2) genes were significantly decreased and increased in asODN-CtOPR2-treated shoot tips and transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing CtOPR2, respectively, which were consistent with the JA content. These results further revealed that CtOPR2 gene played essential roles in promoting JA biosynthesis. A significant reduction in insect bite area was observed on transgenic tobacco leaves compared to wild-type leaves in feeding experiments with Spodoptera litura, highlighting that the positive regulatory function of CtOPR2 gene in JA-mediated immune responses. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation for marker-assisted selection breeding in tea, aimed at developing high-JA germplasm with potentially enhanced pest resistance for cultivation in Guizhou.

Journal Article↗