Signaling of secreted CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptides via CLV1-type receptor kinases is a central mechanism regulating stem cell pool size. Originally characterized in the context of shoot meristem maintenance, this network has been increasingly scrutinized in recent years for its role in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) root meristem maintenance and organization. These analyses revealed unique, often seemingly paradoxical facets, which can be understood from the rewiring of CLE signaling networks in the root compared with the shoot. Here, we review the intricate interplay between distinct and antagonistic CLE signaling pathways in the primary root meristem, which suggests that the core function of CLE signaling in roots is to dynamically buffer antagonism between positive and negative signaling inputs, thereby enhancing developmental robustness.

The plant vascular system, a cornerstone of terrestrial adaptation, enables the long-distance transport of water, nutrients, and signaling molecules and provides mechanical support. Its anatomy also underpins stress resilience; yet, how environmental cues regulate vascular development remains poorly understood. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying vascular plasticity in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, including temperature, light, drought, salinity, mechanical forces, nutrient deficiencies, and pathogens. We highlight conserved and species-specific pathways and discuss unresolved questions, such as how plants integrate multiple stressors to optimize vascular development. Finally, we propose applying single-cell omics and genome editing to decode these adaptive strategies with potential implications for crop resilience and sustainable biomass production.

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