Abstract
Dedifferentiation is the transformation of cells from a given differentiated state to a less differentiated or stem cell-like state. Stem cell-related genes play important roles in dedifferentiation, which exhibits similar histone modification and DNA methylation features to stem cell maintenance. Hence, stem cell-related factors possibly synergistically function to provide a specific niche beneficial to dedifferentiation. During callus formation in Arabidopsis petioles, cells adjacent to procambium cells (stem cell-like cells) are dedifferentiated and survive more easily than other cell types. This finding indicates that stem cells or stem cell-like cells may influence the dedifferentiating niche. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of stem cell maintenance and dedifferentiation regulation. We also summarize current knowledge of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the balance between differentiation and dedifferentiation. Furthermore, we discuss the correlation of stem cells or stem cell-like cells with dedifferentiation.
Highlights
Stem cells are a major research hotspot because of their therapeutic potential in several applications, such as human tissue replacement and drug development (Heidstra and Sabatini, 2014; Morus et al, 2014)
The results showed that WUSCHEL (WUS) and NO APICAL MERISTEM (NAM) gene families are strongly expressed in petiole dedifferentiation (Liu et al, 2010)
Significant advances have been achieved in stem cell research
Summary
Stem cells are a major research hotspot because of their therapeutic potential in several applications, such as human tissue replacement and drug development (Heidstra and Sabatini, 2014; Morus et al, 2014). Plant stem cells are maintained in specific niches, called meristems, which are organized structures involved in post-embryonic development (Aichinger et al, 2012; Sozzani and Iyer-Pascuzzi, 2014). Plant stem cells can divide and further differentiate into various tissues and organs or form a new plant under specific environmental conditions (specific hormone backgrounds; Galinha et al, 2009). Plant stem cells are maintained in primary and secondary meristems. Intercalary meristem can divide and differentiate during a specific period of development or under specific environmental conditions (Beveridge et al, 2007). Numerous studies and reviews have focused on the stem cell behavior (Aichinger et al, 2012; Lee et al, 2013; Yadav et al, 2013; Heidstra and Sabatini, 2014)
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