Plant stem cells: divergent pathways and common themes in shoots and roots.
Stem cells in plant shoot and root meristems are maintained throughout the life of the plant and produce somatic daughter cells that make up the body of the plant. Plant stem cells can also be derived from somatic cells in vivo and in vitro. Recent findings are refining our knowledge of signaling pathways that define stem cell fate and specify either shoot or root stem cell function. New evidence also highlights a role for epigenetic mechanisms in controlling stem cell fate.
Byrne
Mary E
ME
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.
Kidner
Catherine A
CA
Martienssen
Robert A
RA
D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology; D018519:Meristem / Q000502:physiology*; D063245:Plant Development; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000254:growth & development*; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000254:growth & development*; D010944:Plants / Q000196:embryology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*