DATE2025.08.04 #Press Releases

Discovery of the "Switch" That Awakens Plant Stem Cells

— Unveiling the Mechanism that Triggers Secondary Growth in Plants —

Summary

A research group led by Specially Appointed Researcher Shunji Shimadzu, Professor Yuki Kondo, and Associate Professor Tomoyuki Furuya of the Graduate School of Science at Osaka University, in collaboration with Assistant Professor Takaaki Yonekura and Associate Professor Kyoko Ohashi-Ito of the Graduate School of Science at The University of Tokyo; Professors Hidehiro Fukaki and Kimitsune Ishizaki of the Graduate School of Science at Kobe University; Professor Hitoshi Sakakibara of the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences at Nagoya University; Technician Mikiko Kojima of the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science; Professor Masashi Asahina of Teikyo University; and President Hiroo Fukuda of Akita Prefectural University, has newly revealed that plant stem cells are awakened before roots begin to thicken, and elucidated the underlying mechanism.

Many plants, especially trees, first extend their roots and stems vertically, then induce secondary (lateral) growth to thicken these organs, thereby establishing a stable body structure. It has long been known that this secondary growth proceeds through repeated division of stem cells, which serve as the driving force. However, how this process is initiated had remained unclear.

This research group has now discovered that a transiently enhanced response to cytokinin, a type of plant hormone, acts as the "switch" that awakens stem cells and triggers secondary growth. This finding elucidates the starting point of how plants acquire the ability to "grow thicker," and is expected to contribute to advances in the development of plants with improved wood production and environmental adaptability.

These research findings were published in the international journal Nature Plants on Monday, August 4th at 6:00 PM (Japan Standard Time).

Figure: Overview of the Study
The awakening of stem cells triggers secondary growth in plants

Related Links

Osaka University, Kobe University, Nagoya University, RIKEN, Teikyo University, Akita Prefectural University, JST

Journals

Journal name	Nature Plants
Title of paper	A cytokinin response maximum induces and activates bifacial stem cells for radial growth