WUSCHEL induces shoot stem cell activity and developmental plasticity in the root meristem.

Most of the plant shoot originates f om a small group of stem cells, which in A abidopsis are specified by WUSCHEL (WUS). It is unknown whether these cells have an inrinsic potential to generate shoot tissues, or whether differentiation is guided by signals from more mature tissues. He e we show that WUS expression in the root induced shoot stem cell identity and leaf development (without additional cues), floral development (together with LEAFY), or embryogenesis (in response to increased auxin). Thus, WUS establishes stem cells with intrinsic shoot identity and responsive to developmental inputs that normally do not change root identity.