Search Results (1,736)

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, mainly because it is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages due to nonspecific symptoms and the lack of effective screening strategies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, and accumulating evidence implicates them in OC initiation, progression, and treatment response. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in OC, examine their clinical potential as biomarkers, and discuss emerging technologies that are about to advance lncRNA research and therapeutics in OC. Methods: A comprehensive review of published studies investigating lncRNA expression, function, and clinical relevance in OC was conducted. Mechanistic insights were integrated across multiple regulatory levels, including epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational control. Advances in transcriptomic technologies and RNA-targeting techniques were also examined. Results: LncRNAs influence OC through diverse mechanisms, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, RNA splicing, mRNA stability, protein modulation, competing endogenous RNA networks, and nuclear organization. Their dysregulation is linked to tumor progression, metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor patient outcomes. Numerous lncRNAs exhibit diagnostic and prognostic value, underscoring their clinical potential. Advances in long-read sequencing have improved lncRNA annotation and isoform resolution, while CRISPR-Cas13 offers a potential approach for selective RNA-targeted therapy. Conclusions: LncRNAs are critical molecules in OC development and progression, holding potential in advancing OC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Continued integration of functional studies, advanced sequencing technologies, and RNA-targeting approaches can facilitate the clinical translation of lncRNAs for early OC diagnosis and management. Full article

Objective: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that melatonin is involved in modulating granulosa cell function and follicular development. lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) and circRNAs (circular RNAs) have been reported to participate in multiple biological processes. This study aimed to explore the candidate circRNAs and lncRNAs related to molecular mechanisms when exploring the role of melatonin in regulating ovarian function. Methods: Bovine ovary granulosa cells were collected 48 h after treatment with melatonin at 10⁻⁷ M. The lncRNA and circRNA profiles of bovine granulosa cells were further explored using high-throughput sequencing in the absence/presence of melatonin. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and circRNAs were analyzed through the annotation information of source transcripts for GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes). Results: We identified 99 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 28 differentially expressed circRNAs. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and circRNAs showed they were enriched in multiple pathways involved in development, apoptosis, and reproductive function, such as the mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin) signaling pathway, FoxO (Forkhead box O) signaling pathway, MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, TGF-beta (Transforming Growth Factor-β) signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt (Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Akt) signaling pathway, apoptosis, and Rap1 (Ras-related protein 1), most of which were mainly related to granulosa cell function and the crosstalk between granulosa cells and oocytes. The present analysis indicated the potential role of melatonin in granulosa cell function by regulating lncRNA and circRNA expression and, thus, mediating follicular development. An lncRNA/circRNA and miRNA regulatory network was also constructed to take their interactions into account. Conclusions: Our study offers details of lncRNA and circRNA expression in bovine granulosa cells and further provides insight into the potential role of melatonin in regulating reproduction by modulating lncRNA and circRNA expression. Full article

Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved regulators that bind the CCAAT box, playing central roles in horticultural plant growth and adaptation. This review summarizes recent progress on NF-Ys in horticultural plants, focusing on their molecular mechanisms in development and stress responses. For development, NF-Ys mediate phase transition, flowering regulation, embryogenesis, and organ development by integrating endogenous signals (gibberellic acid, GA; abscisic acid, ABA) and regulating downstream genes. For stress responses, they enhance tolerance to abiotic stresses (drought, salt, extreme temperatures) via regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, ABA biosynthesis, and stress networks, and mediate biotic stress resistance (e.g., pathogen infection) by activating defense pathways. This review also briefly covers species-specific genomic features (e.g., duplication-driven expansion) and structural traits (conserved core domains, variable termini) underpinning NF-Y specialization. Finally, it highlights key knowledge gaps (e.g., incomplete regulatory networks, limited translational application) and proposes future directions: deciphering NF-Y crosstalk, exploring combined stress responses, accelerating functional validation of uncharacterized NF-Y genes, and translating research into horticultural breeding. This work provides a holistic reference for understanding NF-Y function and improving horticultural plant yield, quality, and stress resilience. Full article

Cyclic di-GMP (bis-(3′ → 5′) cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate) is a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger that regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including biofilm formation, motility, virulence, and environmental adaptation. Its intracellular levels are dynamically controlled by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs), which synthesize c-di-GMP from GTP, and phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which degrade it into linear pGpG or GMP. The functional effects of cytoplasmic c-di-GMP are mediated through diverse effector proteins, including PilZ domain-containing receptors, transcription factors, and riboswitches. In Leptospira interrogans, a major pathogenic species responsible for leptospirosis, the regulatory roles of c-di-GMP remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics and structural analysis of all predicted c-di-GMP related proteins in L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130, a serovar generally associated with severe manifestations of leptospirosis in humans. Our analysis identified seventeen proteins containing GGDEF domain, five proteins containing both GGDEF and EAL domains, four proteins containing EAL domain, five proteins containing HD-GYP domain, twelve proteins containing PilZ domain, and one protein containing an MshEN domain. Comparative analysis with well-characterized bacterial homologs suggests that L. interrogans possess a complex c-di-GMP signaling network, likely involved in modulating biofilm formation, host–pathogen interactions, and environmental survival. These findings provide new insights into the c-di-GMP regulatory network and on signal transduction in Leptospira and lay the foundation for future functional studies aimed at understanding its roles in physiology, virulence, and persistence. Full article

Drought stress severely limits maize growth, and enhancing drought resistance remains a central objective of crop improvement. Plant-specific NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) transcription factors are critical regulators of abiotic stress responses. Previously, we identified ZmNAC20—a gene rapidly induced by both drought and abscisic acid (ABA)—as a positive regulator of stomatal closure and drought survival when over-expressed; however, its direct target genes and downstream regulatory network remained elusive. Here, we used DAP-seq to identify 3537 ZmNAC20 binding peaks genome-wide, revealing four enriched cis-motifs and 1439 target genes. GO and KEGG analyses showed pronounced enrichment in intracellular signal transduction. The intersection of RNA-seq of drought-stressed ZmNAC20-over-expressing and wild-type B104 seedlings with DAP-seq outputs defined 80 potential direct targets (48 up-, 32 down-regulated). Among the activated genes, ZmNAC20 binds and up-regulates genes of the ROS-producing enzyme ZmRBOH8, BURP domain-containing protein ZmBURP4, gibberellin (GA) catabolic enzyme ZmGA2OX6, and HD-Zip transcription factor ZmHB56. These results unveil a multi-layered drought-responsive network through which ZmNAC20 integrates hormone and ROS signaling, providing a molecular blueprint for breeding drought-resilient maize. Full article

Global warming leads to premature dormancy release and untimely flowering in southern highbush blueberry during winter, resulting in chilling injury and yield losses. However, effective strategies to delay flowering by modulating dormancy progression without compromising fruit quality remain lacking. This study demonstrated through field trials that spraying 1 mg/mL ethephon (ETH) during the early endodormancy stage effectively delayed dormancy release and reduced the bud break rate of spring shoots by approximately 33.92% relative to the control, with no adverse effects on fruit quality. The treatment also reduces sucrose content in floral buds, a change potentially associated with dormancy maintenance. To explore the molecular basis of this process, we examined two ethylene-responsive transcription factors, VcERF112 and VcERF115, previously identified in our laboratory. Their expression was rapidly upregulated following ETH treatment. Heterologous expression of either gene in Arabidopsis delayed both seed germination and flowering, suggesting a conserved growth-suppressive function. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that VcERF112 and VcERF115 bind to the T2 region (−2310 to −1595 bp) of the VcBRC1 (VcBRANCHED1) promoter and enhance its expression. In contrast, sucrose treatment suppressed VcBRC1 expression. Collectively, these results propose that ethylene may sustain bud dormancy through a coordinated mechanism that operates independently of the classic abscisic acid (ABA)/gibberellins (GA) balance, a relationship not addressed in this study. This mechanism involves the induction of VcERF112/115 to activate VcBRC1, coupled with the reduction in sucrose levels to alleviate its repressive effect on VcBRC1. These findings provide new molecular insights into the ethylene-mediated regulatory network underlying bud dormancy in blueberry. Full article

The Dof (DNA binding with one finger) transcription factor family is a plant-specific group of transcription factors that play critical roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and the regulation of secondary metabolism. Prunella vulgaris (P. vulgaris) has attracted considerable attention due to its medicinal value, with rosmarinic acid being one of its key bioactive components. However, the systematic identification of the Dof transcription factor family in P. vulgaris and its regulatory role in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis remains poorly understood. In this study, based on the whole-genome data of P. vulgaris, we identified 48 Dof transcription factor genes distributed across 14 chromosomes using bioinformatics approaches. Physicochemical analysis revealed that the encoded proteins have molecular weights ranging from 15,482.44 to 55,875.53 Da, amino acid lengths between 142 and 509, and theoretical isoelectric points from 4.84 to 10.2. All proteins were predicted to be hydrophilic and localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into four subfamilies, and multiple sequence alignment confirmed that all members contain a conserved C2-C2-type zinc finger domain. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions identified numerous elements related to light responsiveness, hormone response, and development. Transcriptomic expression profiling demonstrated distinct tissue-specific expression patterns of Dof genes, with some showing high expression in spikes and seeds. Correlation analysis between gene expression and rosmarinic acid content identified three candidate genes potentially involved in the regulation of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis, which were further validated by RT-qPCR. Moreover, protein–protein interaction network predictions indicated 242 interactions among 23 Dof proteins. This study provides the first systematic identification of the Dof transcription factor family in P. vulgaris, offering important insights into the transcriptional regulation of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis and presenting potential genetic targets for enhancing rosmarinic acid production through genetic engineering. Full article

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a specialized photosynthetic pathway that enhances water-use efficiency by temporally separating nocturnal CO₂ uptake from daytime decarboxylation and carbon fixation. To uncover the regulatory mechanisms coordinating these temporal dynamics, we generated high-resolution, 48 h time-course transcriptomes for the CAM model Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi under both 12 h/12 h light/dark (LD) cycles and continuous light (LL). A rhythmicity analysis revealed that diel light cues are the dominant driver of transcript oscillations: 16,810 genes (54.3% of annotated genes) exhibited rhythmic expression only under LD, whereas just 399 genes (1.3%) remained rhythmic under LL. A smaller set of 3009 genes (9.7%) oscillated in both conditions, indicating that the intrinsic circadian clock sustains rhythmicity for a limited subset of the transcriptome. A gene co-expression network analysis revealed extensive integration between circadian clock components, core CAM pathway enzymes, and stomatal regulators, defining regulatory modules that coordinate metabolic and physiological timing. Notably, key hub genes associated with post-translational and post-transcriptional regulation, including the E3 ubiquitin ligase HUB2 and several pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, act as central nodes in CAM-associated networks. This discovery implicates epigenetic and organellar regulation as previously unrecognized critical tiers of control in CAM. Together, our results support a regulatory model in which CAM rhythmicity is governed by both external light/dark cues and the endogenous circadian clock through multi-level control spanning transcriptional and protein-level regulation. To support community exploration, we also provide an interactive eFP (electronic Fluorescent Pictograph) browser for visualizing time-resolved gene expression profiles. Full article

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and effective strategies for cancer prevention are urgently needed to complement therapeutic advances. While dietary factors are known to influence cancer risk, the molecular mechanisms that mediate inter-individual responses to nutritional exposures remain poorly defined. Emerging evidence identifies long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as pivotal regulators of gene expression, chromatin organization, metabolic homeostasis, immune signaling, and cellular stress responses, the core processes that drive cancer initiation and progression and are highly sensitive to nutritional status. In parallel, advances in precision nutrition have highlighted how variability in genetics, metabolism, microbiome composition, and epigenetic landscapes shape dietary influences on cancer susceptibility. This review integrates these rapidly evolving fields by positioning lncRNAs as molecular conduits that translate dietary exposures into transcriptional and epigenetic programs governing cancer development, progression, and therapeutic vulnerability. We provide mechanistic evidence demonstrating how dietary bioactive compounds and micronutrients, including polyphenols [such as curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)], flavonoids, alkaloids such as berberine, omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids, folate, vitamin D, probiotic metabolites (such as butyrate and propionate), and trace elements (such as selenium and zinc), modulate oncogenic and tumor-suppressive lncRNAs. These nutrient–lncRNA interactions influence cancer-relevant pathways controlling proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic rewiring. We further discuss emerging lncRNA signatures that reflect nutritional and metabolic states, their potential utility as biomarkers for individualized dietary interventions, and their integration into liquid biopsy platforms. Leveraging multi-omics datasets and systems biology, we outline AI-driven frameworks to map nutrient–lncRNA regulatory networks and identify targetable nodes for cancer chemoprevention. Finally, we address translational challenges, including compound bioavailability, inter-individual variability, and limited clinical validation, and propose future directions for incorporating lncRNA profiling into precision nutrition-guided cancer prevention trials. Together, these insights position lncRNAs at the nexus of diet and cancer biology and establish a foundation for mechanistically informed precision nutrition strategies in cancer chemoprevention. Full article

Abiotic stress of cold is one of the limitation factors that hinder the production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Although there are a large number of studies suggesting that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in plant response to abiotic stress, the mechanism by which ncRNAs and competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) influence the low-temperature tolerance of alfalfa remains understudied. In this study, we integrated whole-transcriptome RNA-seq and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify cold stress-related metabolic pathways and candidate genes, differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Degradome sequencing was used to verify the ceRNA network under cold stress. A total of 46,936 DEmRNAs were identified. Ribosome (ko03010), amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism (ko00520), ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes (ko03008), circadian rhythm–plant (ko00270), and starch and sucrose metabolism (ko00500) were the top five KEGG terms with the highest p-value, enriching the most number of DEmRNAs. MS.gene53818 (MsUAM1) was considered to be the critical candidate gene for alfalfa response to cold stress by conjoint analysis of GWASs and DEmRNAs. A total of 223 DEmiRNAs, 1852 DElncRNAs, and 13 DEcircRNAs were identified under cold stress. Functional analysis indicates that they play important roles in GO terms such as leaf development (GO:0048366), DNA-binding transcription factor activity (GO:0003700), central vacuole (GO:0042807), response to auxin (GO:0009733), and water channel activity (GO:0015250), as well as in KEGG pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis (ko00944). A ceRNA network comprising 28 DElncRNAs, 8 DEcircRNAs, 11 DEmiRNAs, and 23 DEmRNA triplets was constructed. In this study, mRNAs and ncRNAs were identified that may be involved in alfalfa’s response to cold stress, and a ceRNA regulatory network related to cold stress was established, providing valuable genic resources for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying alfalfa cold stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer patients are highly susceptible to infectious diseases due to malignancy- and treatment-induced immunosuppression. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted this vulnerability, particularly in aggressive tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the molecular mechanisms linking cancer progression with COVID-19 severity remain poorly defined. This study aimed to identify shared molecular signatures between COVID-19 and TNBC, breast cancer, and ccRCC using integrative bioinformatics approaches. Methods: A comprehensive in silico case–control analysis was conducted using publicly available GEO transcriptomic datasets (GSE164805, GSE139038, GSE45498, and GSE105261). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing mild and severe COVID-19 cases with each cancer type. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify hub genes, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Regulatory networks involving microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) were also examined. Results: Shared hub genes were identified across COVID-19 and cancer datasets, including IGF1, MMP9, and NOTCH1 in TNBC; TOP2A, PXN, and CCNB1 in breast cancer; and ASPM and TTK in ccRCC. These genes are linked to immune regulation, inflammation, cell cycle control, and tumor progression. Enrichment analyses revealed convergent pathways such as MAPK signaling, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, Ras signaling, and proteoglycans in cancer. Key regulatory molecules, including miR-145-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-335-5p, and transcription factors NFKB1, BRCA1, and TP53, modulated both viral and oncogenic processes. Severe COVID-19 was associated with enhanced inflammatory and proliferation-related signaling across all cancer types. Conclusions: This integrative, severity-stratified analysis identifies shared molecular and regulatory features linking severe COVID-19 with aggressive cancers, highlighting persistent immune activation and altered immune communication as common underlying themes without implying causality or clinical outcome effects. These findings provide a systems-level, hypothesis-generating framework for understanding virus–cancer interactions and may inform future biomarker discovery and immune-focused therapeutic strategies in vulnerable cancer populations. Full article

Saline–alkali stress is one of the important abiotic stresses, which affect plant growth and development. However, the understanding of miRNA pathways in different saline–alkali stress is still limited. In order to better understand the salt–alkali stress response mechanism of wheat, we analyzed miRNA transcription levels in two wheat varieties differing in saline–alkali tolerance (Qingmai 6, QM, tolerant; Meisheng 0308, MS, sensitive) under mixed saline–alkali stress (150 mmol·L¹ and 300 mmol·L¹) for 7 days. High-throughput sequencing identified 11,368 miRNAs (106 conserved, 11,262 non-conserved), among which four miRNAs (miR9653b, miR5384-3p, miR9777, and miR531) exhibited a consistent expression trend across both varieties and all stress concentrations. Additionally, a potential miRNA-mediated regulatory network (including miR408 and miR1135) was predicted to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism via cytochrome P450, plant hormone signal transduction, and MAPK pathways. Saline–alkali-tolerant and sensitive wheat cultivars exhibited distinct miRNA expression patterns under stress. QM maintained higher contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, AsA; reduced glutathione, GSH) and activities of key antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; glutathione reductase, GR), which contributed to balanced ROS homeostasis and enhanced saline–alkali tolerance. Full article

Soil salinization and alkalinization critically constrain alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) productivity, yet the regulatory mechanisms underlying its responses to salt–alkali stress are not fully understood. In this study, the alfalfa variety “Zhongmu No. 1” was used as experimental material. The seeds were subjected to salt stress (75 mM NaCl), alkali stress (15 mM NaHCO₃), and combined salt–alkali stress (50 mM NaCl + 5 mM NaHCO₃) in dishes, with ddH₂O serving as the control (CK). After 7 days of germination, the seedlings were transferred to a hydroponic system containing Hoagland nutrient solution supplemented with the corresponding treatments. Following 32 days of stress exposure, leaf and root tissue samples were collected for morphological and physiological measurements, as well as mRNA and miRNA sequencing analyses. Physiological assays revealed significant growth inhibition and increased electrolyte leakage under stress conditions. Transcriptome profiling identified over 5000 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both leaves and roots under stress conditions, mainly enriched in pathways related to “iron ion binding”, “flavonoid biosynthesis”, “MAPK signaling”, and “alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism”. MiRNA sequencing detected 453 miRNAs, including 188 novel candidates, with several differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) exhibiting tissue- and stress-specific patterns. Integrated analysis revealed 147, 81, and 140 negatively correlated miRNA–mRNA pairs across three treatment groups, highlighting key regulatory modules in hormone signaling and metabolic pathways. Notably, in the ethylene and abscisic acid signaling pathways, ERF (XLOC_006645) and PP2C (MsG0180000476.01) were found to be regulated by miR5255 and miR172c, respectively, suggesting a post-transcriptional layer of hormonal control. DEM target genes enrichment pathway analyses also identified stress-specific regulation of “Fatty acid degradation”, “Galactose metabolism”, and “Fructose and mannose metabolism”. qRT-PCR validation confirmed the expression trends of selected DEGs and DEMs. Collectively, these findings reveal the complexity of miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks in alfalfa’s response to salt–alkali stress and provide candidate regulators for breeding stress-resilient cultivars. Full article

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) curd formation is a highly complex developmental process governed by tightly coordinated genetic and physiological regulation. Here, we performed transcriptome sequencing of curd and peduncle tissues across multiple developmental stages, generating 171.52 Gb of high-quality data. Genes associated with photosynthesis and glucosinolate biosynthesis were strongly upregulated in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), highlighting substantial metabolic investment during the pre-initiation phase of curd morphogenesis. Key floral transition regulators, particularly AP2 and MADS-box transcription factors, were activated to drive the vegetative-to-reproductive switch and initiate curd primordia, ultimately giving rise to the arrested inflorescence architecture characteristic of cauliflower. Furthermore, hormone signaling pathways—including auxin (AUX), jasmonic acid (JA), and brassinosteroid (BR)—showed marked activation during SAM proliferation and peduncle elongation, underscoring their crucial roles in structural patterning. Collectively, our findings delineate an integrated regulatory network that links metabolic activity, hormone signaling, and developmental programs, providing novel molecular insights into curd formation and identifying potential breeding targets for the genetic improvement of Brassicaceae crops. Full article

Efficient in vitro regeneration remains a major constraint in the genetic transformation, genome editing, and molecular breeding of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), largely due to strong genotype-dependent recalcitrance and limited activation of developmental programs required for somatic embryogenesis. Plant regeneration relies on extensive transcriptional reprogramming and epigenetic remodeling orchestrated by morphogenic regulators that modulate meristem identity, as well as cellular pluri- and totipotency. In this review, we synthesize current molecular knowledge on key transcription factors (BBM, WUS/WUS2, GRF-GIF, WOX, LAX1, SERK, WIND1/ERF115) and signaling peptides (CLE/CLV-WUS module, phytosulfokine/PSK) that regulate embryogenic competence in monocot cereals, with emphasis on their orthologs and functional relevance in wheat. We highlight how controlled expression of these morphogenic genes, promoter engineering, and transient or excisable induction systems can significantly enhance regeneration capacity, reduce chimerism in CRISPR-Cas-edited plants, and facilitate genotype-independent transformation. We also discuss epigenetic and metabolic constraints underlying wheat recalcitrance and their potential modulation to improve culture responsiveness. By integrating evidence from wheat, rice, maize, and barley, we outline conserved gene-regulatory networks that reinitiate totipotency and propose strategies to accelerate doubled haploid production and speed-breeding pipelines. Collectively, morphogenic factors emerge as central molecular tools for overcoming regeneration bottlenecks and enabling next-generation wheat improvement. The objective of this review is to synthesize and critically evaluate current molecular knowledge on morphogenic regulators controlling in vitro regeneration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), with particular emphasis on their roles in genetic transformation and genome editing. Full article