From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways

Abstract The study was focused on the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5), a member of the WUSCHEL family of homeodomain transcription factors, of the root apical meristem (RAM) – specific function in the quiescent center (QC) and columella stem cell maintenance. We revealed that WOX5 is also engaged...

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Main Authors: Anna M. Wójcik, Kamila Krypczyk, Weronika M. Buchcik, Małgorzata D. Gaj
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:BMC Plant Biology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06687-4
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author Anna M. Wójcik
Kamila Krypczyk
Weronika M. Buchcik
Małgorzata D. Gaj
author_facet Anna M. Wójcik
Kamila Krypczyk
Weronika M. Buchcik
Małgorzata D. Gaj
author_sort Anna M. Wójcik
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The study was focused on the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5), a member of the WUSCHEL family of homeodomain transcription factors, of the root apical meristem (RAM) – specific function in the quiescent center (QC) and columella stem cell maintenance. We revealed that WOX5 is also engaged in the embryogenic transition of plant somatic cells cultured in vitro. We showed that WOX5 controls the induction of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Arabidopsis. The results suggest that the function of WOX5 in SE induction is related to controlling genes related to diverse auxin-related processes, including biosynthesis, transport, distribution, and signaling of auxin in plant development (TAA1, YUC1, PIN1, LEC2, PLT3, ARF5). The postulated WOX5 targets in embryogenic induction also involve CDF4, controlling cell differentiation in RAM. The study reveals genetic parallels between stem cell maintenance in RAM and in vitro-induced embryogenic transition in somatic cells. The findings identified WOX5 as a new regulatory element within the transcription factor network controlling embryogenic response in somatic plant cells. Identifying embryogenic/pluripotency-related functions of WOX5 opens further opportunities for improving in vitro plant regeneration of recalcitrant species.
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spelling doaj-art-0384ef754fc848118dbd87197f4bd46d2025-08-20T03:10:18ZengBMCBMC Plant Biology1471-22292025-05-0125111810.1186/s12870-025-06687-4From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathwaysAnna M. Wójcik0Kamila Krypczyk1Weronika M. Buchcik2Małgorzata D. Gaj3University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental ProtectionAbstract The study was focused on the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5), a member of the WUSCHEL family of homeodomain transcription factors, of the root apical meristem (RAM) – specific function in the quiescent center (QC) and columella stem cell maintenance. We revealed that WOX5 is also engaged in the embryogenic transition of plant somatic cells cultured in vitro. We showed that WOX5 controls the induction of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Arabidopsis. The results suggest that the function of WOX5 in SE induction is related to controlling genes related to diverse auxin-related processes, including biosynthesis, transport, distribution, and signaling of auxin in plant development (TAA1, YUC1, PIN1, LEC2, PLT3, ARF5). The postulated WOX5 targets in embryogenic induction also involve CDF4, controlling cell differentiation in RAM. The study reveals genetic parallels between stem cell maintenance in RAM and in vitro-induced embryogenic transition in somatic cells. The findings identified WOX5 as a new regulatory element within the transcription factor network controlling embryogenic response in somatic plant cells. Identifying embryogenic/pluripotency-related functions of WOX5 opens further opportunities for improving in vitro plant regeneration of recalcitrant species.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06687-4Somatic embryogenesisAuxinWOX5WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOXStem cellsPluripotency
spellingShingle Anna M. Wójcik
Kamila Krypczyk
Weronika M. Buchcik
Małgorzata D. Gaj
From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways
BMC Plant Biology
Somatic embryogenesis
Auxin
WOX5
WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX
Stem cells
Pluripotency
title From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways
title_full From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways
title_fullStr From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways
title_full_unstemmed From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways
title_short From root to embryogenic transition: WOX5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin-mediated pathways
title_sort from root to embryogenic transition wox5 reprograms plant somatic cells via auxin mediated pathways
topic Somatic embryogenesis
Auxin
WOX5
WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX
Stem cells
Pluripotency
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-06687-4
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