This book presents a focused and structured overview of the molecular basis of plant cell totipotency, with emphasis on regulatory networks that drive in vitro regeneration. It brings together current research on genetic, hormonal, epigenetic, and synthetic factors that influence the totipotent state in plant cells.

The chapters begin by introducing the concept of totipotency and its relevance in plant development and biotechnology. The book then explores key developmental regulatory genes, followed by hormone-responsive modules shaped by auxin and cytokinin signaling. It examines the role of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and chromatin remodelling in enabling or restricting regeneration. A detailed discussion on regulatory networks highlights their role in somatic embryogenesis and callus formation. The book also compares species-specific differences in totipotency and explains how evolutionary changes in gene regulation affect regeneration capacity. The final chapter focuses on synthetic biology approaches, including CRISPR-based activation and artificial gene circuits, to enhance regeneration outcomes.

This book is a useful resource for graduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals in plant molecular biology, biotechnology, and tissue culture. It also supports crop scientists and regeneration engineers seeking molecular strategies to improve plant transformation and regeneration efficiency

Integrates gene, hormone, and epigenetic control of totipotency across model and crop plant systems Explores synthetic biology tools for engineering plant regeneration and overcoming species recalcitrance Combines developmental, molecular, and evolutionary insights into plant cell reprogramming and totipotency

Autorentext

Dr. Pankaj Kumar is currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. With over a decade of research experience in plant molecular biology and biotechnology, he has made notable contributions to Plant science. His postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, and CSIR -Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, HP, India. He is a prolific author with over 100 research, review papers, book chapters, and several notable books, on topics including plant stress memory, medicinal plant agriculture, climate resilience and molecular adaptation in alpine medicinal plants, agricultural biotechnology, and ornamental horticulture. His innovative contributions have also led to the publication of five Indian patents. Dr. Kumar has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Anusandhan National Research Foundation - Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (2026), the Young Scientists Fellowship Award (2021) from ICMR, and the Scientist's Pool Scheme Award (2020) from CSIR. His academic leadership extends to active editorial and peer-review roles, and he continues to mentor students and researchers in interdisciplinary plant biotechnology.

Inhalt

1. Plant Cell Totipotency.- 2. Developmental Regulatory Genes: The Molecular Switching.- 3. Hormone-Responsive Gene Modules in Regeneration.- 4. Epigenetic Gatekeepers of the Totipotent State.- 5. Gene Regulatory Networks Orchestrating Somatic Embryogenesis.- 6. Evolutionary and Species-Specific Regulation of Totipotency.- 7. Synthetic Modulation and Future Directions in Regeneration Engineering.