Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 166-176 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 166 Review and Interpretation Open Access Multi-Scale Regulation Mechanisms of Tree Stem Cells: From Molecular Level to Ecosystems Yongquan Lu , Jianyong Tong, Xuze Wang, Faustin Mutudi Tshibunga State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: luyongquan@zafu.edu.cn Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0016 Received: 11 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 13 Jul., 2024 Published: 21 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lu et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lu Y.Q., Tong J.Y., Wang Z.X., and Tshibunga F.M., 2024, Multi-scale regulation mechanisms of tree stem cells: from molecular level to ecosystems, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(4): 166-176 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0016) Abstract Tree stem cells are fundamental to the growth, development, and adaptation of trees, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their multi-scale regulation. This study examines the intricate regulation of tree stem cells from molecular to ecosystem levels. At the molecular level, genetic control, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifications govern stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Cellular regulation involves signaling pathways, hormonal control, and cell-to-cell communication. Tissue and organ-level regulation is focused on stem cell niches, their role in tissue regeneration, and integration into organ development. The whole plant level considers the coordination of stem cell activity with overall plant growth and environmental responses. Ecosystem-level regulation explores the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on stem cells and their role in ecosystem resilience. This study underscores the potential applications in forestry and conservation, highlighting emerging technologies and future research directions. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for advancing tree biology, improving forest management, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Keywords Tree stem cells; Multi-scale regulation; Genetic control; Hormonal interactions; Ecosystem resilience 1 Introduction Tree stem cells are fundamental units of plant growth and regeneration, possessing the remarkable ability to differentiate into various cell types and contribute to the formation of new tissues and organs. These cells are located in specific regions known as meristems, which include the shoot apical meristem, root apical meristem, and vascular cambium (Aichinger et al., 2012; Heidstra and Sabatini, 2014). The maintenance and regulation of these stem cells are crucial for the continuous growth and longevity of trees, which can span several centuries (Aichinger et al., 2012). Recent advances in molecular biology have begun to unravel the complex regulatory networks that govern stem cell behavior, including the roles of transcriptional regulators, phytohormones, and cell wall components (Groover and Robischon, 2006; Hata and Kyozuka, 2021). The regulation of tree stem cells occurs at multiple scales, from molecular and cellular levels to whole ecosystems. At the molecular level, various signaling pathways and genetic mechanisms ensure the balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation (Heidstra and Sabatini, 2014; Ikeuchi et al., 2016; Pérez-García and Moreno-Risueno, 2018; Hata and Kyozuka, 2021). Cellular interactions within the stem cell niches provide the necessary microenvironment for stem cell maintenance and function (Aichinger et al., 2012; Hoggatt and Scadden, 2012). Additionally, environmental factors and stress conditions can influence stem cell behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding these regulatory mechanisms in the context of changing ecosystems (Ikeuchi et al., 2016; Díaz-Sala et al., 2019). This multi-scale regulation is essential for the adaptation and resilience of trees, enabling them to respond to environmental challenges and maintain their regenerative capacity over long periods. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multi-scale regulation mechanisms of tree stem cells, from the molecular level to ecosystems. We will explore the latest research findings on the molecular pathways involved in stem cell maintenance and differentiation, the role of stem cell niches, and the impact of environmental factors on stem cell behavior. By integrating knowledge from various scales, we hope to shed light on the complex regulatory networks that underpin tree growth and regeneration. This study will also discuss the
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