Small Molecule Treatments Improve Differentiation Potential of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells

The study investigated the effects of small molecule treatments on human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) to enhance their differentiation potential, particularly towards neurogenic lineages. Researchers used HDAC inhibitors and natural compounds, which did not exhibit cytotoxic effects but increased pluripotency markers and neurogenesis-associated transcription factors. The treatments improved the metabolic profile of AFSCs and enhanced their neurogenic differentiation potential, as evidenced by increased secretion of BDNF and expression of neurogenic genes. The study suggested that small molecule treatments could serve as effective pre-induction steps to improve the differentiation efficiency of AFSCs, highlighting their potential in stem cell research and possible future clinical applications.