CLAVATA-WUSCHEL signaling in the shoot meristem

Development. 2016 Sep 15;143(18):3238-48. doi: 10.1242/dev.133645.

Abstract

Shoot meristems are maintained by pluripotent stem cells that are controlled by CLAVATA-WUSCHEL feedback signaling. This pathway, which coordinates stem cell proliferation with differentiation, was first identified in Arabidopsis, but appears to be conserved in diverse higher plant species. In this Review, we highlight the commonalities and differences between CLAVATA-WUSCHEL pathways in different species, with an emphasis on Arabidopsis, maize, rice and tomato. We focus on stem cell control in shoot meristems, but also briefly discuss the role of these signaling components in root meristems.

Keywords: Arabidopsis; CLAVATA-WUSCHEL; Maize; Rice; Shoot meristem; Signaling; Tomato.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / genetics
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / physiology
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Meristem / genetics
  • Meristem / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • WUSCHEL protein, Arabidopsis