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Updated: Nov 8, 2025
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Signaling network regulating plant branching: Recent advances and new challenges
Andrey A Kotov1, Liudmila M Kotova1, Georgy A Romanov1
1Timirjazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 127276 Moscow, Russia.
Summary
Mobile carbohydrates, alongside traditional hormones like auxin, cytokinin, and strigolactones, are key regulators of apical dominance (AD). Sugars interact with hormones to control bud growth and plant phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Apical dominance (AD) and lateral bud outgrowth are crucial for plant architecture.
- Historically, auxin, cytokinins, and strigolactones were considered the primary regulators of AD.
- Recent findings highlight the significant role of mobile carbohydrates in AD regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current understanding in apical dominance regulation.
- To elucidate the intricate mechanisms of auxin transport in axillary buds involving hormones and sugars.
- To detail the roles of auxin, cytokinin, sugars, and abscisic acid in lateral meristem dormancy and growth.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of existing literature on apical dominance.
- Analysis of data on phytohormone crosstalk and sugar signaling pathways.
- Investigation of biochemical mechanisms, including positive feedback loops.
Main Results:
- Mobile carbohydrates function as both signaling molecules and energy sources in AD.
- Sugars act synergistically with cytokinins but antagonistically with strigolactones in bud growth.
- Complex regulatory networks involving hormones and carbohydrates govern bud dormancy and growth.
Conclusions:
- Apical dominance is regulated by a sophisticated interplay between phytohormones and mobile carbohydrates.
- Positive feedback loops involving sugars and hormones are critical for sustained bud growth.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the hormone-carbohydrate regulation of AD.
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