Understanding Camellia sinensis using Omics Technologies along with Endophytic Bacteria and Environmental Roles on Metabolism: A Review

Abstract

Camellia sinensis is the most consumed beverage worldwide. It contains a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, catechins, and polyphenols, generated through a condensation reaction of cinnamic acid with three malonyl-CoA groups. In addition to the metabolic processes occurring within this plant, there are also some plant-associated bacterial endophytes. These bacteria reside in the living tissues of the host plants without causing any harmful effect to them, thereby stimulating secondary metabolite production with a diverse range of biological effects. Omics technologies reveal understanding of the biological phenomena of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. In this sense, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive review of various methods used to identify distinct plant compounds, namely transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis. The role of endophytic bacteria in C. sinensis metabolism, and C. sinensis antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, are also carefully highlighted.