NN15-017 promotes human pluripotent stem cell proliferation and generation

Area of Science:

• Stem Cell Biology
• Cell Culture Optimization
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) require specific nutrients for culture, often including FGF2.
• FGF2 is critical for hPSC growth and maintenance, but alternatives are sought for defined media.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify compounds that can substitute for FGF2 activity in hPSC culture.
• To find compounds that promote proliferation and reprogramming efficiency of hPSCs.

Main Methods:

• Screened a compound library using an hOCT4-EGFP reporter system.
• Evaluated candidate compounds via morphology, OCT4 immunostaining, and long-term culture.
• Assessed reprogramming efficiency and analyzed activated signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Identified NN15-017, a compound that allows a 5-fold reduction in FGF2 concentration.
• NN15-017 enhanced human induced PSC reprogramming efficiency by 2- to 3-fold.
• NN15-017 activated MAP/ERK signaling and potentially affected Hippo-YAP signaling.

Conclusions:

• NN15-017 reduces FGF2 requirements for hPSC culture.
• This compound offers benefits for hPSC proliferation and the generation of induced PSCs.