Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in Cadmium and Arsenic Accumulation in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second most consumed drink in the world. Rapid industrialization has caused various impacts on nature and increased pollution by heavy metals. However, the molecular mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) tolerance and accumulation in tea plants are poorly understood. The present study focused on the effects of heavy metals Cd and As on tea plants. Transcriptomic regulation of tea roots after Cd and As exposure was analyzed to explore the candidate genes involved in Cd and As tolerance and accumulation. In total, 2087, 1029, 1707, and 366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in Cd1 (with Cd treatment for 10 days) vs. CK (without Cd treatment), Cd2 (with Cd treatment for 15 days) vs. CK, As1 (with As treatment for 10 days) vs. CK (without Cd treatment), and As2 (with As treatment for 15 days) vs. CK, respectively. Analysis of DEGs showed that a total of 45 DEGs with the same expression patterns were identified in four pairwise comparison groups. One ERF transcription factor (CSS0000647) and six structural genes (CSS0033791, CSS0050491, CSS0001107, CSS0019367, CSS0006162, and CSS0035212) were only increased at 15 d of Cd and As treatments. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that the transcription factor (CSS0000647) was positively correlated with five structural genes (CSS0001107, CSS0019367, CSS0006162, CSS0033791, and CSS0035212). Moreover, one gene (CSS0004428) was significantly upregulated in both Cd and As treatments, suggesting that these genes might play important roles in enhancing the tolerance to Cd and As stresses. These results provide candidate genes to enhance multi-metal tolerance through the genetic engineering technology.

Automated summary

In this study, the effects of heavy metals cadmium and arsenic on tea plants were investigated. Transcriptomic analysis of tea roots revealed candidate genes involved in tolerance and accumulation of cadmium and arsenic. The results identified potential genes that may play important roles in enhancing tolerance to cadmium and arsenic stresses, providing potential targets for genetic engineering to improve multi-metal tolerance.