Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 218-228 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 225 6.4 Prospects for optimizing breeding strategies The integration of gene editing technologies into tree breeding programs offers promising prospects for optimizing breeding strategies. By precisely modifying genes associated with desirable traits, such as increased biomass production or enhanced stress tolerance, gene editing can accelerate the development of superior tree varieties. For instance, the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to edit genes involved in cambium regulation, such as those in the CLE41/44-PXY-WOX signaling module, can provide insights into the genetic basis of wood formation and facilitate the breeding of trees with improved growth characteristics (Galibina et al., 2023). Furthermore, the ability to manipulate hormonal pathways, such as brassinosteroid and cytokinin signaling, through gene editing can lead to the development of trees with optimized growth and development (Wang et al., 2022a; Riefler et al., 2022). Gene editing technologies offer powerful tools for studying and manipulating cambium-specific genes, improving tree stress resistance, and optimizing breeding strategies. The continued advancement and application of these technologies hold great promise for enhancing researchers’ understanding of cambium regulation and improving the productivity and resilience of forest trees. 7 Concluding Remarks The review of the molecular mechanisms underlying cambium formation and activity maintenance has revealed several critical insights into the collaborative regulation of tree stem cells in growth, development, and environmental adaptation. The identification of receptor-like kinases, such as REDUCED IN LATERAL GROWTH1 (RUL1) and MORE LATERAL GROWTH1 (MOL1), as opposing regulators of cambium activity, highlights the complexity of signaling pathways involved in secondary growth. Temperature significantly influences cambial reactivation and xylem differentiation, with elevated temperatures leading to earlier cambial reactivation but increasing the risk of frost damage. Hormones such as auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, and brassinosteroids play cooperative roles in promoting cambium activity, with hormonal pathways acting redundantly to sustain cambium proliferation. Transcription factors, including WOX4 and HD-ZIP III, are crucial in regulating cambium activity and wood formation, with their expression being modulated by environmental and developmental cues. Seasonal changes in cambium activity are accompanied by significant transcriptomic and epigenomic remodeling, affecting gene expression and methylation patterns. The PXY-CLE signaling pathway has been shown to regulate cambial cell division and wood formation, with precise manipulation of this pathway resulting in increased tree growth and productivity. Future research should focus more on the following aspects. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of receptor-like kinases and their interaction with other signaling pathways will enhance researchers’ understanding of cambium regulation. Research on the impact of climate change on cambium activity and wood formation will be crucial for developing strategies to mitigate environmental stress in trees. Detailed studies on the interplay between different hormonal pathways and their collective impact on cambium activity will provide insights into optimizing tree growth. Exploring the role of epigenetic modifications in cambium activity and wood formation will help in understanding the long-term adaptation of trees to environmental changes. The identification of key regulatory genes and pathways opens up possibilities for genetic engineering to enhance wood production and stress resilience in trees. The insights summarized in this study have important implications for forestry and tree breeding. By manipulating key regulatory pathways, such as the PXY-CLE signaling pathway, it is possible to increase wood yield and improve tree growth, which is beneficial for timber production and carbon sequestration. Understanding the environmental regulation of cambium activity can aid in breeding trees that are more resilient to climate change, thereby ensuring sustainable forestry practices. The application of genetic engineering techniques to modify the expression of critical genes involved in cambium activity and wood formation can lead to the development of superior tree varieties with desired traits. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of cambium regulation can inform sustainable forestry management practices, optimizing tree growth and wood quality while maintaining ecological balance. By integrating these findings into practical applications, the forestry industry can achieve significant advancements in tree breeding, wood production, and environmental sustainability.
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