Publication — IRIC
Small molecule regulation of normal and leukemic stem cells.
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is frequently used in the treatment of hematological diseases. The outcome of the procedure is strongly influenced by the quantity of injected cells, especially if low cell numbers are infused as frequently encountered with cord blood transplants. Ex-vivo expansion of cord blood HSPCs would increase cell numbers, thus accelerating engraftment and reducing infectious complications and transplant-related mortality. In addition, expansion would maximize accessibility to better HLA-matched units, further improving patients’ outcome. Similarly, in-vitro maintenance or expansion of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) would enable research into the much awaited targeted therapies that spare normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we review recent findings on small molecules (excluding biologicals) regulating the activity of normal and leukemic stem cells and provide insights into basic science and clinical implications.