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

This study explored the impact of short-term treatments with small molecules on human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) to enhance their stem cell properties and differentiation potential. Researchers used epigenetically active compounds like Trichostatin A, sodium butyrate, retinoic acid, and vitamin C. These treatments led to mild changes in pluripotency gene expression, with significant downregulation of Notch1, and altered cell surface markers, notably CD105 and CD117. The treatments also stimulated AFSCs to adopt a more energetically active phenotype. When inducing differentiation toward a neurogenic lineage, the addition of small molecules improved the expression of neural marker genes and was confirmed by staining and BDNF secretion. The findings suggested that small molecule treatments could enhance the characteristics and differentiation potential of AFSCs, offering valuable insights for therapeutic applications.