Cell cycle in plant development and reprogramming

The development of multicellular organisms relies on controlled cell divisions and differentiation that generate specific cell types of functional tissues and organs. Control of the cell cycle and its checkpoints are tightly intertwined with the maintenance of stem cells, cell fate acquisition and cellular reprogramming. This Review focuses on cell cycle-mediated control of plant development and regeneration, where cell division and differentiation occur in the absence of cell migration. We examine two systems - the root apical meristem and leaf epidermis (stomata) - and explore how master-regulatory transcription factors directly impact the cell cycle to achieve differentiation of specific cell types, as well as how epigenetic machineries guide or constrain such processes. We further emphasize the importance of G1 cell cycle phase duration and G2/M checkpoints for stem cell differentiation and regeneration. By synthesizing recent discoveries, we aim to highlight cell cycle regulation that underpins both robustness and plasticity of plant development and regeneration. Such knowledge will ultimately enhance our understanding of the commonalities and uniqueness of cell cycle regulation between plants and metazoans.