Multi-omics research in albino tea plants: Past, present, and future

The distinct historical background and tea flavor, including high umami taste and low astringency, make the albino tea plants (Atps) stick out from the tea plant (Camellia sinesnis). The decipherment of genes, enzymes, and metabolites involved in these processes is still significantly lagging, which lays an obstacle for molecular plant breeding and commercialized production. With the popularity of high-throughput omics technology, ‘single level’ or ‘multi-level’-based research theory have emerged as powerful tools for revealing the mechanism of characteristic metabolite accumulation and pigment transformation. Thus, it is pivotal to summarize and introduce these advances in facilitating gene identification of critical pathways in the Atps. In this review, we systematically arranged the history and classification of Atps, detailed their strategies for stress response and the metabolic pattern of L-theanine and catechins. Further, reference the successful examples of model plants, we concentrating on the recent advances in omics technology applied to the Atps. Finally, we prospect the promising development areas of the Atps.