Plant regeneration in the new era: from molecular mechanisms to biotechnology applications

Sci China Life Sci. 2024 Jul;67(7):1338-1367. doi: 10.1007/s11427-024-2581-2. Epub 2024 May 31.

Abstract

Plants or tissues can be regenerated through various pathways. Like animal regeneration, cell totipotency and pluripotency are the molecular basis of plant regeneration. Detailed systematic studies on Arabidopsis thaliana gradually unravel the fundamental mechanisms and principles underlying plant regeneration. Specifically, plant hormones, cell division, epigenetic remodeling, and transcription factors play crucial roles in reprogramming somatic cells and reestablishing meristematic cells. Recent research on basal non-vascular plants and monocot crops has revealed that plant regeneration differs among species, with various plant species using distinct mechanisms and displaying significant differences in regenerative capacity. Conducting multi-omics studies at the single-cell level, tracking plant regeneration processes in real-time, and deciphering the natural variation in regenerative capacity will ultimately help understand the essence of plant regeneration, improve crop regeneration efficiency, and contribute to future crop design.

Keywords: apical meristem; model species; phytohormone; plant cell reprogramming; regeneration; somatic embryogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis* / genetics
  • Arabidopsis* / physiology
  • Biotechnology* / methods
  • Crops, Agricultural / genetics
  • Crops, Agricultural / physiology
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Plant Development / genetics
  • Plant Growth Regulators / metabolism
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Regeneration* / genetics
  • Regeneration* / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Transcription Factors