Small Molecule induced Stem Cell Differentiation

如果能够确定适当的策略来控制这些祖细胞的分化，干细胞的使用有可能改变再生医学。在实验室中控制干细胞分化的一种方法是使用小信号分子，如合成类固醇地塞米松。但这种方法通常不能用于患者，因为所需的药物浓度太高，会导致严重的副作用。我们正在尝试使用几种相关的方法来克服这一限制，包括开发更有效的化合物，以及探索直接在作用部位递送药物的可能性。

Use of stem cells has the potential to transform regenerative medicine, if appropriate strategies can be identified for the controlled differentiation of these progenitors. One way to control stem cell differentiation in the lab is to use small signaling molecules like the synthetic steroid dexamethasone. This approach can't generally be used in patients though, because the required drug concentrations are too high, and would lead to major side effects. We're trying to overcome this limitation using several related methods, including developing more potent compounds, and exploring the possibility of delivering drugs directly at the site of action.