Key genetic architects of plant regeneration: Integrating transcriptional, hormonal, and epigenetic modules toward predictable regeneration systems

Plant regeneration refers to the remarkable capacity of differentiated or wounded somatic cells to regain pluripotency or totipotency, enabling the formation of new organs or even whole plants. This developmental plasticity proceeds primarily through two major pathways—de novo organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis—each controlled by coordinated activities of key transcription factors (e.g., WUSCHEL, PLETHORA, BABY BOOM), auxin–cytokinin hormonal networks, and epigenetic regulators that govern dedifferentiation, proliferation, and redifferentiation. These processes underpin modern tissue culture systems used for clonal propagation, transformation, and trait engineering. Recent progress has substantially clarified the gene regulatory circuits, hormone crosstalk, and chromatin remodeling events that drive regenerative competence. Importantly, emerging evidence now highlights that successful regeneration cannot be achieved by manipulating single genes or hormones in isolation. Instead, overcoming current limitations—particularly genotype-dependent recalcitrance—requires a systems-level, integrative strategy that simultaneously modulates morphogenic regulators, dynamically reshapes hormone distribution, and transiently relaxes epigenetic constraints. This conceptual shift toward coordinated regeneration system engineering offers a promising framework for achieving predictable, efficient, and broadly transferable regeneration protocols across crops, woody perennials, and recalcitrant species, thereby strengthening the biotechnological foundation for sustainable and resilient plant production. • Plant regeneration requires integrated transcriptional, hormonal, and epigenetic regulatory modules. • Specific genetic modules (WIND, LAFL) govern organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. • Transient morphogenic activation and epigenetic pre-conditioning bypass genotype-dependent recalcitrance. • Precision hormone patterning enables predictable and controllable developmental fate specification. • Coordinated systems engineering provides a framework for scalable and transferable regeneration.