Small molecules for stem cells.

BACKGROUND

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that can differentiate to any cell type. Stem-cell research promises great progress in regenerative medicine to replace damaged tissues and organs.

OBJECTIVE

There are two key scientific questions: i) what causes stem cells to maintain an undifferentiated state; and ii) what signals affect/initiate differentiation? Understanding molecular mechanisms and signals that determine stem cell fate, either differentiation or proliferation, will significantly promote the realization of therapeutic potential of stem cells.

METHOD

There are several ways to differentiate stem cells. This review focuses on a chemical approach of differentiation and nuclear reprogramming by small molecules.

CONCLUSION

The effects on different signaling pathways, such as Wnt, IP-3K/Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, of small-molecule modulators may direct differentiation of stem cells to different tissues or keep them undifferentiated and pluripotent. Within the last few years, reports of successful screening of small molecules, such as dcAMP, BIO, pluripotin, and others, have been published.