About this Research Topic

Background

Shoot Apical Meristems (SAM) ensure the continuous production of new organs such as leaves, lateral shoots, inflorescences, and flowers throughout a plant's life. SAMs, originating during embryogenesis, contain undifferentiated, pluripotent cells forming a stem cell niche. Some descendants differentiate into new organs or tissues, while others maintain the niche's reservoir. Thus, SAMs balance between dividing cells to produce new organs and maintaining totipotent cells is crucial for the development of above-ground plant structures.

Recent decades have seen significant progress in understanding the regulatory networks maintaining SAMs. These networks include regulatory genes (e.g., Homeodomain Transcription Factors like WUSCHEL), signaling peptides and receptors (e.g., CLAVATA pathway), and key hormones (e.g., auxin and cytokinin).

Manipulating SAMs presents numerous biotechnological opportunities. Application of morphogenetic regulators (e.g., WUS and BABY BOOM genes) enhances plant transformation and regeneration efficiency, even in recalcitrant species or varieties (Boutilier et al., 2002; Lowe et al., 2016). Additionally, traits such as yield, flower and fruit number, and stress resistance are influenced by SAM and Floral Meristem activity (Fletcher, 2018). Understanding SAM mechanisms allows for better adjustment and modification of these traits.

This Research Topic aims to gather cutting-edge research on the innovative manipulation of the apical meristem for biotechnological improvements across plants, algae, and simpler organisms.

We welcome all submissions, including original research, review, and method articles on topics, including but not limited to:

1. Fundamental Research:

• Gene(s) function(s) in the SAM.
• Review of the advances in the SAM.

2. Hormonal pathways:

• Role of phytohormones in meristem activity (e.g. integration of hormonal signaling with genetic and environmental factors).
• Modulation of hormonal pathways for growth enhancement.

3. Genetic modification and genome editing:

• Use of CRISPR/Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies on the SAM .
• Transgenic approaches to modify growth and development pathways.

4. Novel plant tissue-culture techniques :

• In vitro meristem culturing techniques.
• Novel approaches to improve plant transformation and regeneration.

5. Adaptive growth:

• Enhancing stress tolerance through meristem manipulation.
• Genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying adaptation to environmental changes.

6. Growth Regulation and Yield Improvement:

• Manipulating meristem activity to optimize plant architecture.
• Strategies for plant productivity enhancement through targeted interventions.

7. Applications in Crop Improvement:

• Case studies of meristem manipulation in major and orphan crops.
• Impact on food security and sustainable agriculture.

8. Multidisciplinary Approaches and Technologies:

• Integration of omics technologies in meristem research.
• Advanced imaging and computational modeling techniques.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Apical Meristem Manipulation for, Biotechnology Approaches in Plants, Growth Regulation and Yield Improvement

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