Comprehensive Insight into Tapetum-Mediated Pollen Development in Arabidopsis thaliana

In flowering plants, pollen development is a key process that is essential for sexual reproduction and seed set. Molecular and genetic studies indicate that pollen development is coordinatedly regulated by both gametophytic and sporophytic factors. Tapetum, the somatic cell layer adjacent to the developing male meiocytes, plays an essential role during pollen development. In the early anther development stage, the tapetal cells secrete nutrients, proteins, lipids, and enzymes for microsporocytes and microspore development, while initiating programmed cell death to provide critical materials for pollen wall formation in the late stage. Therefore, disrupting tapetum specification, development, or function usually leads to serious defects in pollen development. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of tapetum-mediated pollen development and illuminate the underlying molecular mechanism in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Automated summary

In flowering plants, pollen development is crucial for sexual reproduction. Studies have shown that both gametophytic and sporophytic factors coordinate the regulation of pollen development. The tapetum, a somatic cell layer adjacent to the developing male meiocytes, plays a vital role in providing essential materials for pollen wall formation. Disruption in tapetum specification, development, or function leads to defects in pollen development. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of tapetum-mediated pollen development and its molecular mechanism in Arabidopsis thaliana.