Advances and perspectives in the regulation of anther development

Anther development is a central process in the sexual reproduction of angiosperms and directly determines plant fertility and crop yield. In recent years, genetic and molecular studies in model species, including Arabidopsis thaliana, rice (Oryza sativa), and maize (Zea mays), have identified numerous regulatory factors that control anther morphogenesis and pollen development. These include transcription factors, receptor-like kinases, small peptide ligands, and phytohormones, which function coordinately to regulate cell specification, tissue differentiation, and developmental progression within the anther. In this Review, we summarize current advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern anther development. We focus on key developmental events, including anther primordium formation, locule number determination, coordinated differentiation of somatic and germ cells, tapetum development, and the intercellular communication and hormonal signaling pathways that regulate pollen formation. Particular attention is given to the integration of regulatory networks that ensure precise spatial and temporal control of cell fate decisions. By examining anther development from the perspective of network coordination and developmental homeostasis, we aim to provide a coherent framework for understanding how molecular pathways interact to maintain stable reproductive development. These insights not only advance fundamental knowledge of plant reproductive biology but also provide a foundation for precision breeding and the rational manipulation of reproductive traits in crops.