Abstract
We have identified "master" transcription factors that can induce xylem vessel cell differentiation. In this study, we established a cell differentiation system in which meta-xylem cells were induced synchronously and at high frequency in Arabidopsis suspension cells transformed with VND6, a gene encoding a muster transcription factor. This experimental system is greatly useful for analyzing cellular events such as secondary cell wall development and programmed cell death. Using this system, as an example, we will report on how secondary cell wall patterning is regulated by cytoskeleton in meta-xylem cells.
