From complex systems to single cell systems: Approaches into plant signaling and breeding

A unique feature of plant cells is the retention of totipotency. This capacity enables the dedifferentiation of fully mature cells, initiating cellular reprogramming and fate changes that ultimately lead to the formation of embryos and fertile plants. To dissect the mechanisms of single-cell reprogramming, we developed a breakthrough technology for the high-throughput and high-content microscopic analysis of plant cells and tissues. The system consists of an advanced, fully robotized imaging pipeline designed to accurately visualize plant organs at single-cell resolution and individually trace millions of in vitro cultured cells. Quantitative data analysis allows for high-precision phenotyping and the prediction of future cell behavior on the trajectory toward organoids, embryos, and fully fertile plants. We have applied this technology to analyze the phytohormone auxin, the master regulator of developmental processes and environmental responses, providing new insights for plant breeding and regeneration.