The whole structure of higher plants is generated dynamically throughout the life cycle by the activity of stem cell niches at the apex of shoot and root. Hormone molecules and many transcription factors cooperate to balance the stem cell maintenance and differentiation. It is becoming increasingly clear that microRNA (miRNA) molecules are also participants in these processes. Here, we highlight the advances that have been made in regarding the roles of miRNAs in plant stem cell control. These advances provide a framework for our understanding of how signals are integrated to specify and position the stem cell niches in plants. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.