Methyl jasmonate alters expression of enzymes and metabolites of terpenoid biosynthesis in tea cell culture

This study investigates the responses of tea (Camellia sinensis) flower and leaf cell cultures to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment, focusing particularly on mono- and sesquiterpenoid metabolism. Transcript profiling using cDNA-qRT PCR and targeted metabolite analysis revealed a notable increase in the production of mono- and sesquiterpenoids in MeJA-treated cultures compared to controls (untreated samples). Specifically, MeJA treatment (50, 100, and 150 µM) for varying durations (8, 16, and 24 h) stimulated the accumulation of mono- and sesquiterpenoid in both tissue types, with gene expression levels increasing by 5–17 folds for monoterpenoids and 5–15 folds for sesquiterpenoids respectively. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between gene expression and metabolite production following MeJA treatment in both leaf and flower samples. Our findings underscore the intricate interplay between MeJA signalling and secondary metabolism in tea cell cultures. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge concerning MeJA-mediated responses in tea cell culture with practical implications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.