New discoveries in stem cell research made by international research collaboration

An international team of researchers, including Dr Peter Etchells from our Department of Biosciences, have published new research which brings to light new discoveries in the development and understanding of stem cells.

The new study, published by the journal Science, saw researchers from Durham, University of Helsinki and Utrecht University collaborate to identify the key components required to control the balance of stem cells in plants.

Understanding how trees continue to grow

Through a combination of laboratory testing and computational modelling, the research team analysed Arabidopsis, which is a small weed, to find a formula for understanding stem cell growth in plants. In some trees, these stem cells can exist for hundreds or even thousands of years.

The research team pooled their research expertise to identify how the key stem cell proteins came together to control wood formation.

Their research includes three important discoveries, including: the identity of the factors essential for stem cells, what regulates the stem cell factors, and a mathematical model to better our understanding of how both the stem cell factors and their regulators work together to ensure the continuation of growth throughout the plants life.

The importance of plants and trees

Trees and wood represent a globally important carbon sink and a versatile biomaterial.

In addition to answering the fundamental question of where terrestrial biomass comes from, better understanding of the system of stem cells may be helpful in contributing to forest productivity and carbon capture.

This research could lead to improvements in forestry and tree genetics in the future.



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