Recent research into plant stem cell regulation has the potential to revolutionize crop development by enhancing plant regeneration, increasing biodiversity, and creating crops that are more productive and resilient, which is vital for food, feed, and fuel.

Plant stem cells are crucial for sustaining food supplies, livestock feed, and fuel sources, yet many of the genes that regulate these cells remain largely unknown.

Understanding these regulatory mechanisms could lead to improved techniques for plant regeneration and breeding, ultimately advancing our knowledge of plant diversity and resilience.

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory mapped key stem cell regulators, such as CLAVATA3 and WUSCHEL, across thousands of maize and Arabidopsis shoot cells for the first time, providing new insights into plant development.

Using single-cell RNA sequencing, the team created an open-access gene expression atlas of around 6,000 cells, offering a valuable resource for scientists studying plant biology.

This foundational data identified hundreds of genes preferentially expressed in plant stem cells, highlighting their evolutionary importance across different species.

The research aims to support agricultural scientists and breeders in developing crops tailored for various needs, such as food, fuel, or feed, especially in the face of climate change and global food security challenges.

The findings serve as a crucial resource for developmental biologists, physiologists, and breeders seeking to improve crop yields and traits.

Published in the journal Developmental Cell, this research provides a gene expression resource that could accelerate the development of more robust and productive corn varieties over the next decade.

The data generated from this study offers a valuable resource for the scientific community, enabling researchers to utilize the gene expression atlas without needing to repeat the experiment.