SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF SMALL MOLECULES FOR STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION AND PROLIFERATION

Abstract

The human body is made up of different types of cells that originate from a pool of stem cells in the early embryonic stage. Stem cells have the ability to proliferate while maintaining their capability to differentiate into specialized types of cells when regulated by appropriate signals. This property make them important for scientists interested in regenerative therapy for the treatment of diseases associated with the loss of cells or tissues such as heart failure and Parkinson’s disease. Stem cells differentiation can also supply cells for testing the efficacy of drug candidates on desired disease models.

In this study, small molecules were designed and evaluated for their abilities in inducing the differentiation of hESCs to cardiac and neural cells. Moreover, the same set of compounds is used in inducing the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells. The mechanism of the small molecules regulating these biological processes were also studied.