Dedifferentiation and redifferentiation: the developing cell fate transition of plants

Plant cells retain the ability for cellular reprogramming, including totipotency and pluripotency, enabling them to revert their cell fate from differentiated to dedifferentiated one and subsequently redifferentiate under specific physiological and environmental cues. In response to these cues, endogenous phytohormones, genetic landscapes, and epigenetic remodeling play a significant role in initiating the reprogramming of somatic cells and re-establishment of an organized structure. Detailed studies on dedifferentiation have gradually unraveled the involvement of stem-like cells during early callus formation, along with the existence of QC-like transcriptional features in the middle cell layer of callus, which exhibits organ regeneration ability. Tracking natural variations and real-time regeneration dynamics across species, combined with single-cell RNA sequencing, will enable the identification of key developmental regulators and small peptides. These breakthroughs can be applied to enhance regeneration efficiency, improve transformation in recalcitrant species, and accelerate next-generation crop development. The current review summarizes the longstanding history and ongoing research progress in two pathways: dedifferentiation and redifferentiation. It also highlights how hormonal effects on the genetic factors and provides insights into how genetic signatures interact with epigenetic landscapes to drive these processes. It highlights the potential applications of developmental regulators for efficient gene transformation to enhance plant genetic engineering, while also addressing fundamental questions and identifying research gaps to guide future studies.