1 research outputs found
Integrating Epigenetic Modulators into NanoScript for Enhanced Chondrogenesis of Stem Cells
<i>N</i>-(4-Chloro-3-(trifluoroÂmethyl)Âphenyl)-2-ethoxyÂbenzamide
(CTB) is a small molecule that functions by altering the chromatin
architecture to modulate gene expression. We report a new CTB derivative
with increased solubility and demonstrate CTB’s functionality
by conjugating it on the recently established NanoScript platform
to enhance gene expression and induce stem cell differentiation. NanoScript
is a nanoparticle-based artificial transcription factor that emulates
the structure and function of transcription factor proteins (TFs)
to effectively regulate endogenous gene expression. Modifying NanoScript
with CTB will more closely replicate the TF structure and enhance
CTB functionality and gene expression. To this end, we first conjugated
CTB onto NanoScript and initiated a time-dependent increase in histone
acetylÂtransferase activity. Next, because CTB is known to trigger
the pathway involved in regulating <i>Sox9</i>, a master
regulator of chondrogenic differentiation, we modifed a <i>Sox9</i>-specific NanoScript with CTB to enhance chondrogenic gene activity
and differentiation. Because NanoScript is a tunable and robust platform,
it has potential for various gene-regulating applications, such as
stem cell differentiation