Cell-Cell Communication among the Component Cells of Female Gametophyte and between Male and Female Gametophytes

Abstract

Double fertilization in angiosperm is a complex and tightly regulated process. Successful fertilization depends on the development of gametophytes and the communication between female and male gametophytes. Studies revealed that there existed a wide range of intercellular communication among the component cells of the female gametophyte themselves. This communication not only affects the developmental process in different cells, but also determines the developmental fate of the cells, which ensure the normal development of the female gametophyte. In addition, the intercellular communication between female and male gametophytes is the molecular basis of their recognition from each other. The communication precisely controls the male gametophyte to accurately enter the ovules, stop its elongation in the female gametophyte and rupture at tip for releasing sperm cells in a specific location. In this review, we attempt to outline the latest progress in these areas, combing the signal pathway between these intercellular communications. In the end, some prospects for future studies as well as potential application prospects are discussed.