Meristems are morphogenic plant tissues comprising the pool of stem cells initiating specialized tissues. The balance of stem cell proliferation and differentiation depends on antagonistic action of genes WOX encoding homeodomain containing transcription factors and CLAVATA like systems controlling their expression. The CLE (CLAVATA3/ENDOSPERM SURROUNDING REGION) peptides and their recep tor protein kinases comprise the basis of the CLAVATA like systems. Definite member of the family of CLE peptides (CLV3 in the shoot, CLE40 in the root, and CLE41/CLE44 in the procambium) are central regula tors of primary meristem development. The role of CLE peptides in the development of secondary meristems, such as nodule meristems of legumes, is studied. CLE peptides are found also outside the plant kingdom, e.g., parasitic nematodes. The review considers CLE peptides as universal regulators of meristem development.

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