Molecular genetic control of plant stomatal development

Abstract

Stomata widely exist in the epidermis of plant shoot. They are the main passageway for gas exchange between plants and the environment. Stomata regulate many physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and transpiration. The protodermal cells undergo a series of stereotypical cell divisions and differentiation, and finally produce stomata. Several transcription factors control the initiation, proliferation and differentiation of stomatal cells in different developmental stages. The cell-cell communication, which is mediated by the ligand-receptor and MAPK cascade, ensures correct stoamtal patterning. A few polarity proteins have been reported to direct the orientation of asymmetric cell divisions. Additionally, plant hormones and environmental factors also influence stomatal development. All these factors together build the molecular genetic network of stomatal development. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of the network.