Journal Article

Small-molecule-mediated reprogramming: a silver lining for regenerative medicine

Choi Dongho, Kim, Yohan, Jeong Jaemin

2020

Overview

Techniques for reprogramming somatic cells create new opportunities for drug screening, disease modeling, artificial organ development, and cell therapy. The development of reprogramming techniques has grown exponentially since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by the transduction of four factors (OCT3/4, SOX2, c-MYC, and KLF4) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Initial studies on iPSCs led to direct-conversion techniques using transcription factors expressed mainly in target cells. However, reprogramming transcription factors with a virus risks integrating viral DNA and can be complicated by oncogenes. To address these problems, many researchers are developing reprogramming methods that use clinically applicable small molecules and growth factors. This review summarizes research trends in reprogramming cells using small molecules and growth factors, including their modes of action.Regenerative medicine: Harnessing the reprogramming power of small moleculesThe reprogramming of cells using small molecules to generate viable, safe stem-cell populations could transform stem-cell therapies, disease modeling and artificial organ development. Existing ways of reprogramming cells to generate stem cells carry risks, because the methods used often involve using viral DNA components or oncogenes, genes with the potential to turn cells into tumour cells. Safer, inexpensive alternatives are sought by scientists, and the efficient reprogramming of cells using small molecules and growth factors shows promise. Dongho Choi and co-workers at Hanyang University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, reviewed recent research highlighting how small molecules including chemical compounds, plant derivatives and certain approved drugs are being used effectively to create different stem-cell populations. Recent successes are also contributing valuable insights into how stem cells differentiate into different cell types.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Artificial organs / c-Myc protein / Cell differentiation / Cell therapy / Deoxyribonucleic acid / DNA / Drug screening / Embryo fibroblasts / Growth factors / KLF4 protein / Myc protein / Oct-4 protein / Pluripotency / Regenerative medicine / Somatic cells / Stem cell transplantation / Stem cells / Transcription factors / Tumors