In The News: Ro-31-8425 (aka Stem Cell GPS)
As recently described in
Cell Reports, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital along with imaging scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital recently screened over 9,000 small molecules in hopes of identifying those that could activate mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and direct them to sites of inflammation. Using a multi-step screening platform utilizing both
in vitro assays and an
in vivo mouse model, they found 6 potential candidates with
Ro-31-8425, a kinase inhibitor, showing the most promising results. By directing MSCs to targeted sites in the body, the researchers believe that they can boost the therapeutic potential of these cells and ideally improve clinical outcomes of cell-based therapies.
We look forward to hearing more about this homing approach and its impact on the development of new cell therapies.
What are your thoughts?
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