Cell Plasticity and Reprogramming

Cell plasticity refers to the ability of cells to be reprogrammed and to change their phenotype to achieve homeostasis restoration and tissue regeneration. The processes depend on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) cellular programs. In addition to its physiological role, cell plasticity is implicated in pathological states such as cancer progression and organ fibrosis. During tumor progression, cell plasticity enables cells to acquire new phenotypic and functional features by transiting across different cellular states, which contributes to tumor formation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.

Key pathways driving cell plasticity include TGF-β, MAPK, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, STAT3, Wnt-β-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog. These pathways can be activated by various stimuli such as hypoxia, interaction with the ECM, and the presence of growth factors and cytokines, leading to changes in gene expression and cell behavior.

Cell Differentiation

Cell differentiation is a tightly regulated process involving complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors. Precise regulation of gene expression is the central regulatory mechanism of cell differentiation. Activation or inhibition of the expression of specific genes endows cells with specific functions. In addition, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, further refine the control of gene expression by altering chromatin structure. Cells receive and interpret signals from the microenvironment, and transmit external information to the inside of cells through a variety of signaling pathways such as Wnt and TGF-β, thereby affecting gene expression and cell behavior, which is the key to initiating and maintaining differentiation. In addition, the cell microenvironment, including intercellular interactions and physicochemical factors, and non-coding RNAs, collectively shape cell fate by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.

Many small molecule compounds have been designed to induce cell differentiation in specific directions by targeting specific regulatory mechanisms. Amerigo Scientific provides high-purity compounds as a powerful tool for regenerative medicine and drug development. For example, Cardiogenol-C induces differentiation of embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes, IDE-2 promotes endoderm formation, Kartogenin directs differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes, and TCS-2210, ISX-9, and KHS-101 focus on neuronal differentiation. Shz-1 may act on the universal differentiation mechanism of cells and affect cell morphology and function.

Cell Reprogramming

Cell reprogramming is the process of making cells lose their identity and age-related characteristics. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by introducing specific transcription factors into somatic cells to regain embryonic stem cell-like pluripotency, capable of differentiating into almost all cell types in the body. Direct reprogramming, also known as transdifferentiation, refers to cell fate conversion without transitioning through an intermediary pluripotent state. This process involves a radical change in cell fate, involving extensive and dynamic remodeling of gene expression, epigenetic states, and signaling pathways. By altering these levels of regulation, the gene expression patterns of cells are rewritten, allowing them to acquire new identities and functions.

In the study of cell reprogramming, small molecule compounds are used as a substitute for exogenous transcription factors or to significantly improve the efficiency and quality of reprogramming. RSC-133 is a small molecule that inhibits gene silencing by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase (DNMT). By disinhibiting the methylation of some genes associated to pluripotency, RSC-133 can drive the transition of cells to a more undifferentiated state, facilitating the occurrence or increasing the efficiency of the reprogramming process.

Key Signaling Pathways

Amerigo Scientific also offers a diverse range of small molecule compounds. These compounds act on key components of key signaling pathways that drive cellular plasticity, and are thus used for in-depth study of disease mechanisms, accelerated new drug discovery, and advanced cellular research.