Title:Advances in Small Molecules in Cellular Reprogramming: Effects, Structures, and Mechanisms
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Author(s): Jun Zeng, Yanjiao Li, Zhaoxia Ma and Min Hu*
Affiliation:
- Yunnan Key laboratory for Basic Research on Bone and Joint Diseases & Yunnan Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Kunming University, Kunming 650214,China
Keywords:
small molecules, reprogramming, approaches, mechanisms, molecular docking, epigenetic.
Abstract: The method of cellular reprogramming using small molecules involves the manipulation of
somatic cells to generate desired cell types under chemically limited conditions, thus avoiding the ethical
controversy of embryonic stem cells and the potential hazards of gene manipulation. The combinations
of small molecules and their effects on mouse and human somatic cells are similar. Several small
molecules, including CHIR99021, 616452, A83-01, SB431542, forskolin, tranylcypromine and valproic
acid [VPA], have been frequently used in reprogramming of mouse and human somatic cells.
This indicated that the reprogramming approaches related to these compounds were essential. These
approaches were mainly divided into four classes: epigenetic modification, signal modulation, metabolic
modulation and senescent suppression. The structures and functions of small molecules involved
in these reprogramming approaches have been studied extensively. Molecular docking gave insights
into the mechanisms and structural specificities of various small molecules in the epigenetic modification.
The binding modes of RG108, Bix01294, tranylcypromine and VPA with their corresponding
proteins clearly illustrated the interactions between these compounds and the active sites of the proteins.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β [CHIR99021], transforming growth factor β [616452, A83-01 and
SB431542] and protein kinase A [forskolin] signaling pathway play important roles in signal modulation
during reprogramming, however, the mechanisms and structural specificities of these inhibitors are
still unknown. Further, the numbers of small molecules in the approaches of metabolic modulation and
senescent suppression were too few to compare. This review aims to serve as a reference for reprogramming
through small molecules in order to benefit future regenerative medicine and clinical drug
discovery.