Analysis of meristems and plant regeneration at single-cell resolution

Rapid development of high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies offers exciting oppor-tunities to reveal new and rare cell types, previously hidden cell states, and continuous developmental trajectories. In this review, we first illustrate the ways in which scRNA-seq enables researchers to distinguish between distinct plant cell popula-tions, delineate cell cycle continuums, and infer continuous differentiation trajectories of diverse cell types in shoots, roots, and floral and vascular meristems with unprecedented reso-lution. We then highlight the emerging power of scRNA-seq to dissect cell heterogeneity in regenerating tissues and uncover the cellular basis of cell reprogramming and stem cell commitment during plant regeneration. We conclude by discussing related outstanding questions in the field.

Automated summary

The rapid development of high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies presents exciting opportunities for discovering new and rare cell types, uncovering hidden cell states, and understanding continuous developmental trajectories. This review demonstrates how scRNA-seq can distinguish different plant cell populations, delineate cell cycle continuums, and infer differentiation trajectories with unprecedented resolution. It also highlights the power of scRNA-seq in studying cell heterogeneity during tissue regeneration and revealing the cellular mechanisms of cell reprogramming and stem cell commitment. The review concludes by discussing unresolved questions in the field.