Scientists mapped 1.2 million individual tomato cells during shoot regeneration and discovered a previously unknown egg-shaped stem-cell hub that directs the process. The hub has three distinct zones — an outer signaling ring, a middle flexible zone, and a quiet inner core — coordinated by a peptide molecule called EPFL8b.
1
Approximately 1.2 million individual tomato cells were profiled across the full timeline from wounding through new shoot formation, creating the most detailed spatial atlas of plant regeneration to date.
2
A previously unrecognized egg-shaped (ovoid) stem-cell niche was discovered, organized into three compartments: an outer signaling layer, a middle 'plastic' zone capable of changing fate, and an inner quiescent core.
3
The peptide EPFL8b, concentrated in the outer signaling layer, communicates with receptors in the middle zone and is required for proper stem-cell niche organization and successful shoot regeneration.
mail
Weekly plant science — one email, Saturdays.
Check your inbox to confirm — link expires in 24 hours.
Something went wrong — please try again.
Too many signup attempts from your network. Try again in an hour, or email hello@plant.news.
