Compounds for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Research: Products

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewing cells characterized by their fibroblast-like appearance and their ability to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow and several other tissues. The isolated cells, often referred to as mesenchymal stromal cells, contain a heterogeneous population of cells, including a subset that demonstrate stem cell properties. MSCs can be maintained and differentiated through the use of growth factors, recombinant proteins, and small molecules. Small molecules, used alone or in combination with recombinant proteins, can facilitate mechanistic studies, enhance MSC expansion, and induce differentiation. For example, Pioglitazone, Troglitazone, or the combination of IBMX and Dexamethasone facilitate adipogenesis while Kartogenin enhances chondrogenesis. When used for mechanistic studies, small molecules can be used to rapidly activate or inhibit signaling pathways of interest. Tocris Bioscience offers a broad selection of highly pure small molecules that can be used to enhance MSC growth and differentiation as well as to facilitate mechanistic studies of MSC differentiation.