A high-content small molecule screen identifies novel inducers of definitive endoderm

摘要

ObjectivesHuman embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can generate any given cell type in the human body. One challenge for cell-replacement therapy is the efficient differentiation and expansion of large quantities of progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells produced under good manufacturing practice (GMP). FOXA2 and SOX17 double positive definitive endoderm (DE) progenitor cells can give rise to all endoderm-derived cell types in the thymus, thyroid, lung, pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. FOXA2 is a pioneer transcription factor in DE differentiation that is also expressed and functionally required during pancreas development and islet cell homeostasis. Current differentiation protocols can successfully generate endoderm; however, generation of mature glucose-sensitive and insulin-secreting β-cells is still a challenge. As a result, it is of utmost importance to screen for small molecules that can improve DE and islet cell differentiation for cell-replacement therapy for diabetic patients.