Journal Article
Holistic overview of regulatory networks governing seed dormancy and germination in plants
Kunrong He; Weimin Wang; Chengxiang You; Xianting Qi; Xi Chen; Xu Wang; Milian Yang; Minghui Zhang; Ruyu Tang; Zhichong Huang; Juping Zhang; Jingwen Ye; Tingting Xu; Chunlan Yu; Lijuan Zhou; Yajin Ye; Xiao Han; Shiyong Song; Dechang Cao; Min Chen; Hui Shi; Yong Xiang; Kai Shu; Ying Chen; Yuan Zheng; Chunzhao Zhao; Yongxiu Liu; Yanru Hu
Science China Life Sciences · Vol. 69, Issue 4 · pp. 1121-1164 · 2026
Abstract
Seed dormancy and germination are crucial processes affecting the propagation and survival of plant populations. These phenomena are precisely regulated through a complex interplay between internal signals, such as plant hormones and environmental cues including light, temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability. Dormancy release and germination initiation are distinct, yet closely associated, processes involving complex transcriptional, translational, and epigenetic changes mediated by intricate regulatory mechanisms. This review comprehensively summarizes the complex regulatory networks governing seed dormancy and germination across different plant species. By integrating physiological, genetic, and molecular biology perspectives, the latest advances in the research on mechanisms regulating seed dormancy and germination are discussed, providing valuable insights for improving seed quality through biotechnology-based breeding strategies and establishing a solid foundation for future research in this field.