Characterization of the Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) Pathway Genes in Tea Plant (<i>Cameliia sinensis</i>) Under Environmental Stress
2025
Shunkai Hu | Peishuo Jiang | Qirong Guo
Soil salinization poses a significant threat to tea plant (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>) production by compromising its bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, L-theanine, and caffeine, which are key contributors to the plant’s health benefits and economic value. This study investigates the Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) gene family, a critical salt-tolerance regulator in tea plants, to elucidate its role in maintaining quality under environmental stress. Genome-wide analysis identified 51 <i>CsSOS1</i> genes, with phylogenetic and synteny analyses revealing strong evolutionary conservation with <i>Populus trichocarpa</i> and <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>. Promoter analysis detected stress- and hormone-responsive cis-elements, indicating adaptive functions in abiotic stress. Expression profiling demonstrated tissue-specific patterns, highlighting significant upregulation of <i>CsSOS1-15</i> and <i>CsSOS1-41</i> under salt and drought stress. Co-expression network analysis further linked <i>CsSOS1</i> genes to carbohydrate metabolism, implicating their roles in stress resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis. Our findings provide molecular insights into CsSOS1-mediated salt tolerance, proposing potential targets for preserving bioactive compounds. This work facilitates developing salt-resistant tea plant cultivars to ensure sustainable production and quality stability amid environmental challenges.
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