WOX11: the founder of plant organ regeneration

Abstract

De novo organ regeneration is the process in which adventitious roots or shoots regenerate from detached or wounded organs. De novo organ regeneration can occur either in natural conditions, e.g. adventitious root regeneration from the wounded sites of detached leaves or stems, or in in-vitro tissue culture, e.g. organ regeneration from callus. In this review, we summarize recent advances in research on the molecular mechanism of de novo organ regeneration, focusing on the role of the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX11 (WOX11) gene in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. WOX11 is a direct target of the auxin signaling pathway, and it is expressed in, and regulates the establishment of, the founder cell during de novo root regeneration and callus formation. WOX11 activates the expression of its target genes to initiate root and callus primordia. Therefore, WOX11 links upstream auxin signaling to downstream cell fate transition during regeneration. We also discuss the role of WOX11 in diverse species and its evolution in plants.

Long Non-Coding RNA lncWOX11a Suppresses Adventitious Root Formation of Poplar by Regulating the Expression of PeWOX11a

“…The important role of the WOX11 gene in root organ development is evident from a large number of reports [ 16 ]. PagWOX11/12a can modulate ROS scavenging by regulating the expression of PagCYP736A12 to enhance salt tolerance in poplar [ 46 ], while ROS has been shown to be closely associated with the development of ARs in several species [ 47 , 48 ].…”

“…The basis of AR organogenesis is the totipotency and plasticity of cells, and the essence is the fate transitions of cells induced by trauma [ 12 ], environment [ 13 ], and physiological signals [ 14 ]. Plant-specific WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors [ 15 ], especially WOX11 [ 16 ], play critical regulatory roles in this process. Arabidopsis WUSCHEL ( AtWUS ) is the prototypical member of the WOX gene family, while AtWOX5 [ 17 ], as a close homologue of AtWUS , is a root stem cell organizer.…”

Adventitious Root Regeneration: Molecular Basis and Influencing Factors

“…The occurrence of this process also marks the transition of regeneration potential cells to ARs initiation cells. WOX11 is a direct target of the auxin signaling pathway [57]. During the regeneration of new roots, WOX11 expresses and activates the expression of its target genes, links the upstream auxin signal with the downstream cell fate transition, initiates root and callus primordials, and regulates the establishment of original cells [57].…”

“…WOX11 is a direct target of the auxin signaling pathway [57]. During the regeneration of new roots, WOX11 expresses and activates the expression of its target genes, links the upstream auxin signal with the downstream cell fate transition, initiates root and callus primordials, and regulates the establishment of original cells [57]. In addition, WOX11/12 deficiency may lead to rooting defects, while overexpression of WOX11/12 may enhance rooting ability [27].…”

Histological Approach to the Study of Morphogenesis in Callus Cultures In Vitro: A Review

“…This approach makes it possible, with some simplification, to study the details of integrated morphogenetic processes and the mechanisms of their regulation under controlled experimental conditions [5][6][7]. The basis for the use of such models is the similarity of the main morphogenetic events in plants in planta and in vitro [8,9].…”