Understanding the molecular landscape of de novo organogenesis: insights into cell fate reprogramming
摘要
De novo organogenesis, the process by which somatic cells revert to a pluripotent or progenitor state and form new organs, is a key phenomenon in plant development with significant implications for plant biotechnology, agriculture, and regenerative biology. Central to this process is cell fate reprogramming, where differentiated cells undergo molecular transformations that enable them to acquire new identities and differentiate into functional tissues. This ability is vital for plant regeneration and survival, allowing plants to adapt to environmental changes or recover from injury. In this review, we explore the molecular underpinnings of cell fate reprogramming during de novo organogenesis, with a focus on key signaling pathways, transcriptional networks, protein dynamics and epigenetic modifications that regulate this process. We discuss the roles of phytohormones (plant growth regulators), such as auxins, cytokinins, and brassinosteroids, in initiating and maintaining cellular plasticity. Additionally, we highlight the critical transcription factors and gene regulatory networks involved in the activation of totipotency and organogenic potential in differentiated cells. We also examine the contributions of chromatin remodelling and histone modifications in fine-tuning gene expression during cellular reprogramming. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics and CRISPR-based technologies have provided new insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of these molecular processes. This review emphasizes the interconnectedness of hormonal signaling, gene regulation, and chromatin dynamics in orchestrating successful de novo organogenesis.