Small molecules are playing an increasingly important role in the advancement of stem cell research and technology. They are versatile tools that have shown effectiveness in everything from somatic cell reprogramming, to stem cell renewal, to differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
As stem cell research tools, small molecules offer a variety of inherent benefits. They offer a high degree of control to researchers, as they are able to reversibly alter the function of target proteins at precise points in time. Their synthesis routes are well developed and the compounds are well characterized, meaning that they are high in purity and low in variability between batches, both key factors in reproducibility. They are cost-effective relative to growth factors, and they are safer than using viral vectors that can introduce unwanted genetic material.
Stem Cell Modulator Categories
Small molecules exhibit effects through a wide variety of mechanisms to induce or maintain pluripotency or drive differentiation. Browse products according to your research interest: