Functional conservation and divergence of the WOX gene family in regulating meristem activity: from Arabidopsis to crops

Meristems contain a population of stem cells with the potential to generate all postembryonic plant organs. Given the significance of meristems for plant growth and development, manipulating meristem activity is a promising approach for crop improvement. Members of the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) gene family are key regulators of nearly all types of meristems. Nevertheless, a comparative analysis of their functions in different meristems and species is still lacking. Here, we provide a systematic overview of the involvement and mechanisms of WOX genes in mediating meristem function, from the well-characterized model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to less-studied crop species. We also highlight recent advances in understanding how WOX genes can be applied to improve agronomic traits or facilitate biological processes, such as regeneration and apomixis, in crop plants.