All cells within a complex multicellular organism contain the same set of DNA. Different deployment of the eukaryotic genome by epigenetic modulation such as methylation and acetylation determines different cellular morphology and function. This process of gene expression is regulated by cues from both within and outside cells. Since epigenetic mechanisms are intrinsically reversible, interdependent, and highly dynamic, they provide the opportunity to differentiate cells in a controlled manor[1]. The ultimate goal of regenerative medicine is to replace lost or damaged cells. This can potentially be accomplished using the processes of dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation or reprogramming. Recent advances have shown that the addition of a group of genes can not only restore pluripotency in a fully differentiated cell state (reprogramming) but can also induce the cell to proliferate (dedifferentiation) or even switch to another cell type (transdifferentiation). Current research aims to understand how these processes work and to eventually harness them for use in regenerative medicine[2].
Products listed below are known for their specific ability to effectuate differentiation of stem cells. Many more Axon Ligands™ useful in the field of stem cell research can be found in the corresponding product class of stem cell research products and stem cell inhibitor sets.