Genes, proteins and other networks regulating somatic embryogenesis in plants

Abstract

Background Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is an intricate molecular and biochemical process principally based on cellular totipotency and a model in studying plant development. In this unique embryo-forming process, the vegetative cells acquire embryogenic competence under cellular stress conditions. The stress caused by plant growth regulators (PGRs), nutrient, oxygenic, or other signaling elements makes cellular reprogramming and transforms vegetative cells into embryos through activation/deactivation of a myriad of genes and transcriptional networks. Hundreds of genes have been directly linked to zygotic and somatic embryogeneses; some of them like SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS LIKE RECEPTOR KINASE ( SERK ), LEAFY COTYLEDON ( LEC ), BABYBOOM ( BBM ), and AGAMOUS-LIKE 15 ( AGL15 ) are very important and are part of molecular network. Main text (observation) This article reviews various genes/orthologs isolated from different plants; encoded proteins and their possible role in regulating somatic embryogenesis of plants have been discussed. The role of SERK in regulating embryogenesis is also summarized. Different SE-related proteins identified through LC–MS at various stages of embryogenesis are also described; a few proteins like 14-3-3, chitinase, and LEA are used as potential SE markers. These networks are interconnected in a complicated manner, posing challenges for their complete elucidation. Conclusions The various gene networks and factors controlling somatic embryogenesis have been discussed and presented. The roles of stress, PGRs, and other signaling elements have been discussed. In the last two-to-three decades’ progress, the challenges ahead and its future applications in various fields of research have been highlighted. The review also presents the need of high throughput, innovative techniques, and sensitive instruments in unraveling the mystery of SE.

WUSCHEL Overexpression Promotes Callogenesis and Somatic Embryogenesis in Medicago truncatula Gaertn

“…Somatic embryogenesis is a promising approach and a powerful tool for the mass propagation of plants. This process also provides a potential model to investigate the early regulatory and developmental events in plant embryogenesis [ 1 ]. The somatic embryogenesis system is characterized by a sequence of events that includes stimulation of cell proliferation, acquisition of embryogenic competence and induction of embryogenesis.…”

miRNAs as key regulators via targeting the phytohormone signaling pathways during somatic embryogenesis of plants

“…Other plant growth regulators including cytokinin, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), ethylene, jasmonates, polyamines and brassinosteroids also showed their efficacy in inducing SE in various plant species (Jiménez 2005;Yang and Zhang 2010). Somatic embryogenesis is regulated by the complex network of genes (Gulzar et al 2020;Méndez-Hernández et al 2019). The signal transduction genes such as somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK), calmodulin-like domain protein kinases (CPK) are essential for the induction of somatic embryogenesis (Davletova et al 2001;Schmidt et al 1997).…”

Factors Influencing Somatic Embryo Maturation in Sugi (Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don)

“…Genotypes, BS formulations, sugars, AAs, PGRs, osmotic agents, and culture conditions are some of the principal factors controlling SE [ 10 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. Highly efficient embryo maturation was achieved when ECLs were cultured on media supplemented with a combination of PEG, ABA, and AAs.…”