Stem Cell Research: A Guide To Using Small Molecules

The defining characteristics of stem cells, i.e. their ability to self-renew and differentiate, make them a valuable resource in medical research and therapy. They are a potentially limitless source of cells for use in regenerative medicine. In addition, differentiating stem cells can provide insights into embryonic development and can generate organ-like structures, or organoids, which may help understand complex disease processes.

The discovery that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into iPSCs, with development potential indistinguishable from ESCs, has enabled the generation of disease-specific hiPSCs from patients with a disease of interest. This will help further our understanding of disease as well as permitting the development of patient-specific cell therapies, while bypassing the ethical issues associated with the use of ESCs.

Stem cell proliferation and differentiation are controlled by signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that can be readily manipulated. Cells can be reprogrammed or induced to differentiate into specific cells lines by introducing genes encoding transcription factors via retroviral transduction; Sendai viruses and plasmids have also been used for reprogramming. However, these techniques are time-consuming and carry the possibility of introducing genetic material or mutations into a cell’s genome. Small molecules are increasingly being used alone or in combination with growth factors to modulate stem cells and are an essential component of the stem cell workflow.

This brochure aims to provide a guide to the use of small molecules in stem cell research and the development of stem cell therapies. Tocris supplies small molecules for use at all stages of the stem cell workflow, i.e. for reprogramming, maintenance, storage and differentiation, as well as for verification of differentiated cells. Tocris small molecules are high quality and are widely cited in high-impact journals. With over 99.5% of products in stock, we offer rapid delivery and consistent resupply.