BnPME is progressively induced after microspore reprogramming to embryogenesis, correlating with pectin de-esterification and cell differentiation in Brassica napus.

The results show that the change of developmental programme of the microspore involves changes in pectin esterification associated with proliferation and differentiation events, which may cause the cell wall remodeling during the process. The findings indicate pectin-related modifications in the cell wall during microspore embryogenesis, providing new insights into the role of pectin esterification and cell wall configuration in microspore totipotency, embryogenesis induction and progression.