Using small molecules to great effect in stem cell differentiation.
Several recent reports, including two Cell Stem Cell papers (Zhu et al., 2009 [this issue]; Borowiak et al., 2009), screened small molecule libraries for compounds that promote embryonic stem cell differentiation. Their combined success helps bypass challenges associated with using natural protein factors and has revealed insights into controlling stem cell differentiation.
Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA. zaret@fccc.edu
Kenneth S
KS
Zaret
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors