The transcription factor LEC2 as an epigenetic regulator of plant totipotency: from Arabidopsis to crop improvement

Plant cell totipotency-the ability of a differentiated somatic cell to regenerate a complete organism-is one of the most remarkable features of plant development and a cornerstone of biotechnology. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) represents the most striking manifestation of this potential, serving as a powerful system for clonal propagation, genetic transformation, and functional genomics. At the molecular level, SE is governed by transcription factors (TFs) that integrate hormonal and metabolic signals with chromatin remodeling to activate embryogenic programs in somatic cells. Among SE-related TFs, LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2) of Arabidopsis thaliana has emerged as an essential regulator of embryogenic transition. LEC2 functions both as an auxin-responsive developmental switch and as an epigenetic modulator that recruits chromatin regulators to reprogram transcriptional networks controlling the totipotency of plant cells. This review (i) outlines the utility of Arabidopsis as a model for studying SE and totipotency, (ii) highlights the dual role of LEC2 as both a target and an architect of epigenetic regulation, and (iii) explores translational perspectives for TF-based strategies in plant regeneration and crop improvement. The evidence demonstrating that LEC2 coordinates transcriptional regulation with epigenetic remodeling, acting as a central hub of plant totipotency, is summarized and illustrated graphically. LEC2-centered insights into SE not only deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of plant totipotency but also provide a conceptual framework for improving regeneration efficiency across plant species.