Cell wall dynamic components in cotton fiber development: Composition, regulation, and quality implications

Cotton fiber, the dominant natural fiber worldwide, is a specialized single cell trichome initiating from the ovule epidermis. The structure and composition of its cell wall critically influence fiber quality and its economic value for the textile industry. This review centers on the structure and biosynthesis of major cell wall components, including cellulose, pectin, lignin, and xylan, during different stages of cotton fiber development. A systematic elucidation is therefore merited, regarding how the biosynthesis and remodeling of these components regulated by stage-specific genes and enzymes influence fiber initiation, elongation, secondary wall thickening, and maturation, ultimately determining critical quality traits such as fiber length and strength. Future research on cotton fiber cell walls presents both challenges and opportunities in frontier areas and applications within the textile industry. In-depth investigations understanding and harnessing cell wall components will provide crucial support for enhancing cotton fiber quality through molecular breeding and biotechnological approaches.