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Application of Epigenome‐Modifying Small Molecules in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Author(s) -
Lu Junyan,
Kong Xiangqian,
Luo Cheng,
Kathy Li Keqin
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
medicinal research reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.868
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1098-1128
pISSN - 0198-6325
DOI - 10.1002/med.21265
Subject(s) - epigenome , induced pluripotent stem cell , small molecule , stem cell , biology , embryonic stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , computational biology , genetics , gene , dna methylation , gene expression
Recent breakthroughs in generating induced pluripotent stem cells (i PSC s) using four defined factors have revealed the potential utility of stem cells in biological research and clinical applications. However, the low efficiency and slow kinetics of reprogramming related to producing these cells and underlying safety issues, such as viral integration and genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of i PSC s, hamper the further application of i PSC s in laboratory and clinical settings. Previous studies have suggested that reprogramming efficiency can be enhanced and that reprogramming kinetics can be accelerated by manipulating epigenetic status. Herein, we review recent studies on the application of epigenome‐modifying small molecules in enhancing reprogramming and functionally replacing some reprogramming factors. We mainly focus on studies that have used small molecules to interfere with epigenome‐modifying enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferase, histone acetyltransferase, and histone methyltransferase. The potential use of these small molecules in inducing i PSC s and new ways to identify small molecules of higher potency and fewer side effects are also discussed.