Cell reprogramming using chemicals alone has the potential to produce patient-specific cells without genetic manipulation. Creative Bioarray is committed to helping researchers develop combinations of chemicals that can be used to generate fully reprogrammed cells, and we have the confidence to provide our customers with expert and efficient technical support.
Full Chemical Induction of iPSCs
The initial reprogramming method involves the delivery of exogenous transcription factors, resulting in the safety concerns such as the use of oncogenes and the possible genetic integration of exogenous factors. Therefore scientists have taken many efforts to avoid genetic alterations in somatic reprogramming or transdifferentiation, such as through the use of non-integrating gene delivery methods, cell membrane permeable proteins, and some small molecule compounds. Among these, small molecular compounds have shown several unique advantages.
In the last few years, significant progress has been made in the induction of pluripotent or functionally differentiated cells from somatic cells by small molecules methods. Some studies have shown that the strategy of using chemical compounds alone can also successfully create iPS cells, called CiPS cells. In 2013, Hou et al. demonstrated that by using a mixture of seven small molecules (VPA, E-616452, CHIR99021, Tranylcypromine, DZNep, Forskolin and TTNPB), iPSC could be induced from mouse fibroblasts. And Long et al. also found that a commonly used bioagent, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), was able to replace Oct4 during reprogramming and generate CiPS cells from mouse fibroblasts through several chemical mixtures.
Fig.1 Current protocols for CiPSC induction. (Xie, 2017)
Our Technology
Creative Bioarray provides customers with chemically induced cell reprogramming technology by researching a variety of chemical combinations that can manipulate the fate of somatic cells without the use of transgenes. For each type of somatic cell, we assist customers in identifying core reprogramming chemicals. Moreover, we improve the efficiency of reprogramming or transdifferentiation in a variety of ways, such as promoting reprogramming/transdifferentiation induced by specific factors through the microenvironment provided by 3D culture.
Highlights
- Compared with other methods, small molecules have several unique advantages, such as relatively inexpensive mass preparation, structural versatility, and easy to control in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner.
- The technology does not require the addition of extra genes that may increase the risk of dangerous mutations or cancer.
- Small molecules easily cross the cell membrane, so they can be washed away after initiating reprogramming.
Applications
- Research on mechanisms underlying chemical reprogramming
- Development of new path for cell replacement therapies
- Drug screening
- Development of regenerative medicine
Creative Bioarray has focused on developing the technology of chemically mediated reprogramming/transdifferentiation for many years, providing our customers with reliable tools to manipulate the fate of human cells. We have helped our clients successfully achieve full chemically induced transdifferentiation of neurons, cardiomyocytes and other cell types. Please contact us directly for advanced and efficient technical support.
References
- Xie, X.; et al. Chemical reprogramming and transdifferentiation. Current opinion in genetics & development. 2017, 46: 104-113.
- Cyranoski, D. Stem cells reprogrammed using chemicals alone. Nature. 2013.