Plant cell totipotency: Insights into cellular reprogramming

Plant cells have a powerful capacity in their propagation to adapt to environmental change, given that a single plant cell can give rise to a whole plant via somatic embryogenesis without the need for fertilization. The reprogramming of somatic cells into totipotent cells is a critical step in somatic embryogenesis. This process can be induced by stimuli such as plant hormones, transcriptional regulators and stress. Here, we review current knowledge on how the identity of totipotent cells is determined and the stimuli required for reprogramming of somatic cells into totipotent cells. We highlight key molecular regulators and associated networks that control cell fate transition from somatic to totipotent cells. Finally, we pose several outstanding questions that should be addressed to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant cell totipotency.

Automated summary

Plant cells have a strong capacity for reproduction, as a single plant cell can give rise to a whole plant via somatic embryogenesis without fertilization. Reprogramming somatic cells into totipotent cells is a critical step in somatic embryogenesis, inducible by stimuli such as plant hormones, transcriptional regulators and stress. Key molecular regulators and associated networks that control cell fate transition from somatic to totipotent cells are highlighted, with several outstanding questions proposed for further understanding of plant cell totipotency mechanisms.