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Genetic research

Land Plants Exhibit Cellular Plasticity Through Chromatin Remodeling

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Land plants have the remarkable ability to reprogram their cells into stem cells in response to internal and external stimuli. This cellular plasticity is crucial for their adaptability and survival. Research conducted by scientists at the National Institute for Basic Biology in Okazaki, Japan, has shed light on the mechanisms behind this process. The study, published in The Plant Journal, explores the interplay between gene expression and chromatin dynamics during reprogramming in the moss Physcomitrium patens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 11 distinct cell types, including reprogramming leaf cells, through multimodal single-nuclei RNA and ATAC sequencing.
  • Profiling 20,883 single-nuclei from gametophores, protonemata, and cut leaves revealed that reprogramming leaf cells exhibit a partly relaxed chromatin landscape.
  • STEMIN transcription factors selectively enhance accessibility at specific genomic loci essential for stem cell formation.
  • The research concluded that wounding initiates a broad chromatin relaxation, creating a permissive environment and specific transcription factors act to refine this permissive state by specifically relaxing chromatin regions critical for reprogramming.
  • The study provides insights into the mechanisms of cellular plasticity in land plants and its potential applications in biotechnology and regenerative medicine.
  • The findings have implications for our understanding of the complex interactions between chromatin remodeling, gene expression, and cellular reprogramming.
  • STEMIN transcription factors play a crucial role in driving selective chromatin remodeling for gene activation during reprogramming in the moss Physcomitrium patens.
  • Gergo Palfalvi, Ruan Morne de Villiers, Akinori Kanai, Yutaka Suzuki, Mitsuyasu Hasebe, and Masaki Ishikawa are the authors of this research.
  • The research was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science London (JSPS London).
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in The Plant Journal in 2025.

Statistics:

  • 20,883 single-nuclei were profiled from gametophores, protonemata, and cut leaves.
  • 11 distinct cell types were identified, including reprogramming leaf cells.
  • STEMIN transcription factors selectively enhanced accessibility at 5,456 specific genomic loci.
  • The study revealed that reprogramming leaf cells exhibit a partly relaxed chromatin landscape.
  • 72% of the genomic loci surveyed showed increased accessibility in reprogramming leaf cells.

Sources:

  • National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.
  • The Plant Journal, 2025;123(3).
  • Life Science Weekly, August 19, 2025.
  • NewsRx LLC.

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