Multilayered regulatory control of compound leaf development

Compound leaves are characterized by their intricate structures and striking morphological diversity. This review summarizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of compound leaf development, highlighting the conservation and diversification of key regulatory pathways across species, with a particular focus on legume plants. The essential roles of central genetic modules, such as KNOXI, LFY/FLO, and CUC/NAM, in shaping leaf morphology are highlighted, including their interactions with hormonal signals and other key regulators. Furthermore, how the activity of these modules is translated into distinct cellular growth patterns that ultimately determine the mature leaf shape is discussed. By integrating findings from diverse species, the analysis provides insights into the multilayered regulatory interactions of genetic modules, and offers an important framework for future research directions on compound leaf development.