Stem cell & cardiomyocyte metabolism

In 2014, we reported the first evidence that inhibitors of NAMPT (Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) can be used to selectively eliminate pluripotent stem cells. This has value for preparation of stem cell derivatives for transplantation without risk of tumor formation as well as the production of more homogeneous cultures of desired cells to minimize confounding factors for in vitro functional analyses. We are currently working to understand why pluripotent cells are susceptible to NAMPT inhibition, while differentiated progeny from all three germ lineages, including cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, are resistant.

Kropp EM, et al., Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2017.
Kropp EM, et al., Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2015.
Boheler KR, et al., Stem Cell Reports, 2014.