The pluripotency factor SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM) maintains stem cell identity in the centre of the shoot apical meristem. Here Chung et al. show that Auxin Response Factors work in concert with the YABBY transcription factor FIL to silence STM via chromatin modifications and allow initiation of primordia that lead to formation of flowers.
- Yuhee Chung
- Yang Zhu
- Doris Wagner