Work

Molecular regulators of regeneration and strategies for overcoming genotype-dependent recalcitrance in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Efficient wheat transformation remains limited by strong genotype dependence and low regenerative capacity in many elite cultivars. This review summarized recent advances in transformation methods, including Agrobacterium-mediated delivery, particle bombardment, nanoparticle systems, and viral vectors, highlighting progress in identification and functional characterization of regeneration-promoting factors such as BBM/WUS, GRF4-GIF1, WOX genes, and TaLAX1. Furthermore, multi-omics studies have revealed transcriptional and chromatin dynamics underlying somatic reprogramming, yet the genetic basis of genotype-dependent regeneration remains unclear. In this review, we summarize how using a combination of stepwise phenotyping, utilization of genomic resources, and systems genetics approaches offers a potentially promising route towards genotype-independent transformation in wheat. A review summarizes recent advances in wheat transformation and regeneration-promoting factors as well as highlights an integrated multi-omics and pangenomics framework to develop strategies for achieving genotype-independent transformation.

Source: Communications Biology

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-10315-8

Authors: Yan Kai Wang, Yan Kai Wang, Yi Peng Wang, Yi Peng Wang, Liang-Zi Zhou

Institution: Shandong Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Plant tissue culture and regeneration

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190