ROS-mediated redox signaling during cell differentiation in plants

Abstract

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have emerged in recent years as important regulators of cell division and differentiation.

Scope of review: The cellular redox state has a major impact on cell fate and multicellular organism development. However, the exact molecular mechanisms through which ROS manifest their regulation over cellular development are only starting to be understood in plants. ROS levels are constantly monitored and any change in the redox pool is rapidly sensed and responded upon. Different types of ROS cause specific oxidative modifications, providing the basic characteristics of a signaling molecule. Here we provide an overview of ROS sensors and signaling cascades that regulate transcriptional responses in plants to guide cellular differentiation and organ development.

Major conclusions: Although several redox sensors and cascades have been identified, they represent only a first glimpse on the impact that redox signaling has on plant development and growth.

General significance: We provide an initial evaluation of ROS signaling cascades involved in cell differentiation in plants and identify potential avenues for future studies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Redox regulation of differentiation and de-differentiation.

Keywords: Cell differentiation; Plant; Reactive oxygen species; Redox; Signaling.