LEAFY COTYLEDONs: old genes with new roles beyond seed development

Seed development is a complex process and consists of two phases: embryo morphogenesis and seed maturation. LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) transcription factors, first discovered in Arabidopsis thaliana several decades ago, are master regulators of seed development. Here, we first summarize molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the control of embryogenesis and seed maturation by LECs and then provide a brief review of recent findings in the role of LECs in embryonic resetting of the parental ‘memory of winter cold’ in Arabidopsis. In addition, we discuss various chromatin-based mechanisms underlying developmental silencing of LEC genes throughout the post-embryonic development to terminate the embryonic developmental program.