Year 4

This research led to the discovery of small molecules that promote the formation of heart muscle cells from human pluripotent stem cells. The project used high throughput screening technology and medicinal chemistry, similar to that used in pharmaceutical companies, to discover and optimize the molecules. The cellular processes targeted by the compounds were also investigated, and in several cases this research uncovered novel roles for key cellular proteins and signaling pathways, such as Wnt and TGFb signaling, in stem cell differentiation. The compounds will be useful as reagents for cardiomyocyte preparation from stem cells, and patent applications have been filed.