Identification of the GATA transcription factor family in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and the characterizations in nitrogen metabolism

GATA transcription factor is a widely existing regulatory factor in biology and participates in many plant physiological processes. In tea plants (Camellia sinensis), the GATA Transcription Factor family has not been explored. In this study, 40 GATA genes were identified in tea plants, with a focus on CsGATA12 and 17, whose expression patterns were correlated with nitrogen deficiency, nitrogen forms and nitrogen concentration. Among them, CsGATA17 is highly correlated with theanine and ethylamine contents in response to high nitrogen levels. Transcriptional regulation confirmed that CsGATA17 acts as a transcriptional activator to positively regulate CsAlaDC (alanine decarboxylase) to promote theanine synthesis in leaves with high nitrogen levels. This interaction was simulated and visualized by molecular docking and ultimately confirmed by EMSA. This study expands our understanding of GATA factors in tea plants and reveals the role of CsGATA17 in nitrogen metabolism and theanine regulation.