Mammalian growth-regulating factors enhance regeneration in transgenic tomato lines

Garchery C, J Benejam, A Grau, J Gricourt, E Pelpoir , M Causse. 2026.  Transgenic Res (2026) 35:26 ; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11248-026-00502-y

This study presents a novel approach improving the efficiency of tomato transgenesis by utilizing mammalian-derived growth factors. Conducted on six tomato lines with varying regeneration capacities, the study demonstrates that the addition of mammalian cytokines—such as TGF-β1, EGF, and IL-1β—significantly promotes tissue regeneration following genetic transformation, particularly in the most recalcitrant genotypes.

These findings highlight the partial conservation of certain protein kinase-mediated signaling pathways between the animal and plant kingdoms. They open up new avenues for optimizing transformation and genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9) protocols for hard-to-transform varieties, while offering fresh perspectives for plant biology research and crop improvement.

Topics covered:

•             Plant regeneration and genetic transformation

•             Use of mammalian-derived cytokines and growth factors

•             Improving CRISPR-Cas9 technology efficiency

•             Homologies between animal and plant signaling pathways

•             Implications for plant biotechnology and crop improvement

This publication is intended for researchers in plant biology, genetics, and biotechnology, as well as teams developing new crop improvement strategies. It proposes an innovative approach capable of overcoming a major bottleneck in plant transgenesis: the poor regeneration capacity of certain genotypes.