# Research Progress of CLE and Its Prospects in Woody Plants

## TL;DR

This review summarizes the role of CLE peptides in plant development, focusing on their signaling functions in various meristems and their potential in woody plants.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of CLE gene functions in different plant meristems and highlights their evolutionary conservation.

## Key findings

- CLE genes regulate multiple meristems, including root and shoot apical meristems.
- CLE peptides are involved in various signaling pathways and developmental processes.
- The study emphasizes the need for further research on CLE functions in tall trees.

## Abstract

The peptide ligands of the CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) family have been previously identified as essential signals for both short- and long-distance communication in plants, particularly during stem cell homeostasis, cell fate determination, and growth and development. To date, most studies on the CLE family have focused on model plants and especially those involving stem and apical meristems. Relatively little is known about the role of CLE peptides in tall trees and other plant meristems. In this review, we summarize the role of CLE genes in regulating plant Root Apical Meristem (RAM), Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM), Procambium, Leaf and Floral Meristem (FM), as well as their involvement in multiple signaling pathways. We also highlight the evolutionary conservation of the CLE gene family and provide a comprehensive summary of its distribution across various plant developmental tissues. This paper aims to provide insights into novel regulatory networks of CLE in plant meristems, offering guidance for understanding intercellular signaling pathways in forest trees and the development of new plant organs.