RepSox

RepSox is a TGF-βI receptor kinase inhibitor, that can replace SOX2 (SRY-box 2) during the reprogramming of adult cells into iPS (induced pluripotent) cells, by inducing transcription of Nanog. It also supports RPE (retinal pigmented epithelium) differentiation from iPS cells, increasing the expression of epithelial markers, RPE-specific genes and supporting cell viability in 3D cultures. In addition, it was proposed that RepSox could be useful as therapeutic for obesity and type 2 diabetes, as RepSox alone was sufficient to promote differentiation of brown fat precursor cells and browning of white fat, which have been considered as treatment strategies for those disorders. Its application may extend to the treatment of OS (osteosarcoma), as it was able to induce S-phase cell arrest and apoptosis of OS cell line models, andin vivoxenograft models. RepSox is thus a molecule of high interest in multiple research fields.