Characterization of two O-methyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of O-methylated catechins in tea plant

Ji-Qiang Jin, Fu-Rong Qu, Huisi Huang, Qing-Shuai Liu, Meng-Yuan Wei, Yuee Zhou, Ke-Lin Huang, Zhibo Cui, Jie-Dan Chen, Wei-Dong Dai, Li Zhu, Ming-Zhe Yao (), Zhi-Min Zhang () and Liang Chen ()
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Ji-Qiang Jin: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Fu-Rong Qu: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Huisi Huang: Jinan University
Qing-Shuai Liu: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Meng-Yuan Wei: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Yuee Zhou: Jinan University
Ke-Lin Huang: Anhui Agricultural University
Zhibo Cui: Jinan University
Jie-Dan Chen: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Wei-Dong Dai: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Li Zhu: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Ming-Zhe Yao: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Zhi-Min Zhang: Jinan University
Liang Chen: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Tea is known for having a high catechin content, with the main component being (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has significant bioactivities, including potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. The poor intestinal stability and permeability of EGCG, however, undermine these health-improving benefits. O-methylated EGCG derivatives, found in a few tea cultivars in low levels, have attracted considerable interest due to their increased bioavailability. Here, we identify two O-methyltransferases from tea plant: CsFAOMT1 that has a specific O-methyltransferase activity on the 3ʹʹ-position of EGCG to generate EGCG3′′Me, and CsFAOMT2 that predominantly catalyzes the formation of EGCG4″Me. In different tea tissues and germplasms, the transcript levels of CsFAOMT1 and CsFAOMT2 are strongly correlated with the amounts of EGCG3ʹʹMe and EGCG4ʹʹMe, respectively. Furthermore, the crystal structures of CsFAOMT1 and CsFAOMT2 reveal the key residues necessary for 3ʹʹ- and 4ʹʹ-O-methylation. These findings may provide guidance for the future development of tea cultivars with high O-methylated catechin content.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40868-9

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