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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Using High Resolution Computed Tomography to Visualize the Three Dimensional Structure and Function of Plant Vasculature
Published on: April 5, 2013
The role of VND transcription factors in xylem vessel development and secondary wall formation
Ulrike Lehmann1,2, René Schneider1,2
1Plant Physiology Department, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
Abstract:
Transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial life required specialized vascular tissues, with xylem enabling water transport and structural support. Vascular-related NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, CUC2) domain (VND) transcription factors regulate xylem development by orchestrating secondary cell wall biosynthesis and programmed cell death. This review examines recent advances in understanding VND function in xylem vessel development, focusing on their structure, regulatory networks, downstream targets, and molecular events in Arabidopsis thaliana, while highlighting key open questions in vessel differentiation.
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