NN15-017 Promotes Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Proliferation and Generation

Regenerative Therapy 30, 838-848.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reth.2025.09.003

Shizuka Fujigaki-Yamazaki¹, Ryoko Nakatani¹, Osamu Hirata², Koichiro Saruhashi², Mai Fujii¹, Hirofumi Suemori¹, Taito Nishino², and Eihachiro Kawase¹

1 Division of Clinical Basis for ES Cell Research, Center for Human ES Cell Research, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
2 Nissan Chemical Corporation, 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-6119, Japan.

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can develop into many different cell types, making them useful in regenerative medicine and disease research. To grow these cells in the laboratory, a substance called FGF2 is required. However, FGF2 is costly and sometimes unstable; therefore, researchers have been looking for alternative compounds that could support stem cell growth.

In this study, we screened a collection of chemical compounds and evaluated their effects on the stem cells. We identified a compound, NN15-017, which allowed us to reduce the amount of FGF2 in the culture medium. The compound also modestly improved the efficiency of creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from normal human cells.

Further analysis suggested that NN15-017 may influence several signaling pathways within cells. These findings may help develop more flexible methods for maintaining and using stem cells, thereby supporting future research in regenerative medicine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig 1: Using NN15-017, a compound discovered in this study, we were able to promote the undifferentiated growth of human pluripotent stem cells and further enhance the efficiency of human iPSC generation.