A genome-wide transcriptome profiling reveals the early molecular events during callus initiation in Arabidopsis multiple organs

Induction of a pluripotent cell mass termed callus is the first step in an in vitro plant regeneration system, which is required for subsequent regeneration of new organs or whole plants. However, the early molecular mechanism underlying callus initiation is largely elusive. Here, we analyzed the dynamic transcriptome profiling of callus initiation in Arabidopsis aerial and root explants and identified 1342 differentially expressed genes in both explants after incubation on callus-inducing medium. Detailed categorization revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly related to hormone homeostasis and signaling, transcriptional and post transcriptional regulations, protein phosphorelay cascades and DNA- or chromatin-modification. Further characterization showed that overexpression of two transcription factors, HB52 or CRF3, resulted in the callus formation in transgenic plants without exogenous auxin. Therefore, our comprehensive analyses provide some insight into the early molecular regulations during callus initiation and are useful for further identification of the regulators governing callus formation. ► We analyzed the dynamic transcriptome profiling of callus initiation in Arabidopsis. ► We displayed the very early molecular events during callus initiation. ► Overexpression of two transcription factor genes spontaneously initiated callus. ► Our analyses provide insights into the early key regulations of callus initiation. ► Our study is useful for further identification of the regulators initiating callus.