Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 344-352 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 348 Wrzesinski, 2021). This mutual regulation enables precise and context-dependent control of gene expression, which is essential for the dynamic regulation of secondary metabolite pathways such as catechin biosynthesis. 6 Application of Multi-omics Approaches in Catechin Research 6.1 Genomic and transcriptomic insights into key gene expression patterns High-throughput genomics and transcriptomics enable the identification and quantification of genes involved in catechin biosynthesis. Integrative analysis of these data types reveals expression patterns of structural and regulatory genes, helping to map the genetic networks underlying catechin accumulation. Machine learning and network-based approaches are increasingly used to interpret these complex datasets, allowing for the discovery of key gene modules and regulatory elements (Reel et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2023). 6.2 Metabolomics for tracing catechin accumulation and metabolic flux Metabolomics allows for direct quantification of catechin content and relevant metabolites, giving a snapshot of tea tissue metabolic flux. Combined with transcriptomic and genomic data, metabolomics is employed to follow the pathway of precursors and intermediates, bridging gene expression and metabolite accumulation. Multi-omics integration approaches, comprising data-driven and knowledge-based workflows, are employed to correlate metabolite profiling with gene activity to elucidate catechin biosynthesis dynamics (Wörheide et al., 2021). 6.3 Proteomics and epigenomics revealing hierarchical regulatory structures Proteomics adds another layer by quantifying the abundance and modification of enzymes and regulatory proteins in catechin pathways. Epigenomics, like DNA methylation and histone modification profiling, illustrates how gene expression is controlled at the chromatin level. Together, these omics layers reveal hierarchical regulatory networks, from epigenetic marks to protein complexes, that control catechin biosynthesis (Subramanian et al., 2020; Chen et al., 2023). 6.4 Case study: Integrated omics analysis of high-catechin cultivars Integrated multi-omics analyses—combining genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics—have been applied to compare high- and low-catechin tea cultivars. These studies identify cultivar-specific gene expression patterns, metabolite profiles, and regulatory networks that explain differences in catechin content. Such integrative approaches are essential for pinpointing biomarkers and candidate genes for breeding high-catechin tea varieties (Subramanian et al., 2020; Valous et al., 2024). 7 Prospects for Molecular Breeding and Application of Catechin Regulation 7.1 QTL mapping and development of molecular markers related to catechins Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and association analysis have also identified significant genetic variants determining catechin content. Notably, functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H) gene and chalcone synthase (CHS) gene are most significantly involved with catechin profile variations. These markers explain considerable phenotypic variation and are highly effective in marker-assisted selection for improving tea quality in breeding programmes (Jin et al., 2016; Jiang et al., 2020). 7.2 Application of gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR) in functional validation and breeding While direct reports of CRISPR use in tea are limited, functional validation of candidate genes through transgenic and molecular approaches has been demonstrated. For example, manipulation of CsMYB1 and other transcription factors has clarified their roles in catechin biosynthesis and trichome development, providing targets for future gene editing to enhance desirable traits (Li et al., 2022b; Zhang et al., 2025). 7.3 Development of functional tea products and catechin optimization strategies Understanding natural allelic variation and regulatory mechanisms enables the development of tea cultivars with optimized catechin content for health and flavor. The identification of key regulators, such as CsMYB1 and WRKY transcription factors, offers strategies to breed or engineer tea plants with higher levels of specific catechins, supporting the creation of functional tea products with enhanced health benefits (Luo et al., 2018; Li et al., 2024; Tuo et al., 2024).
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