Chemical Approaches to Stem Cell Biology and Therapeutics

• Published in: Cell stem cell Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 270 - 283
• Main Authors: Li, Wenlin, Li, Ke, Wei, Wanguo, Ding, Sheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 05.09.2013
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Differentiation - drug effects; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Design; Humans; MAP Kinase Signaling System - drug effects; Molecular Targeted Therapy - trends; Pluripotent Stem Cells - drug effects; Pluripotent Stem Cells - physiology; Pyrazoles - chemistry; Pyrazoles - pharmacology; Pyrazoles - therapeutic use; Pyrimidines - chemistry; Pyrimidines - pharmacology; Pyrimidines - therapeutic use; Regenerative Medicine - trends; Small Molecule Libraries; Wound Healing - drug effects
• ISSN: 1934-5909; 1875-9777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2013.08.002

Small molecules that modulate stem cell fate and function offer significant opportunities that will allow the full realization of the therapeutic potential of stem cells. Rational design and screening for small molecules have identified useful compounds to probe fundamental mechanisms of stem cell self-renewal, differentiation, and reprogramming and have facilitated the development of cell-based therapies and therapeutic drugs targeting endogenous stem and progenitor cells for repair and regeneration. Here, we will discuss recent scientific and therapeutic progress, as well as new perspectives and future challenges for using chemical approaches in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. This Review discusses recent progress in using chemical approaches to probe fundamental mechanisms of stem cell self-renewal, differentiation, and reprogramming and considers future challenges for applications in regenerative medicine.