Cell Proliferation Inducer, WS3

A cell-permeable, diarylurea analog that can reversibly induce cell proliferation of primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from rodents and from fetal and adult human donors (~ 25 nM). Its action suggested to be mediated through Erb3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1). Non-proliferating RPE cells at passage 6 appear to respond well to WS3 treatment, whereas actively proliferating cells in passage 1 to 4 do not exhibit any increase in proliferation. These cells can differentiate into functional monolayer following WS3 withdrawal. However, WS3-expanded adult human RPE cells differentiate less effectively when compared to stem cell-derived RPE cells. The expanded RPE cells are shown to preserve vision when transplanted into rodent models of retinal degeneration. Also shown to induce proliferation of mouse R7T1 β cells (EC₅₀ = 74 nM). Not reported to induce any genetic changes or tumorigenic events.

Reversible: yes

Packaged under inert gas

Supplied as a hydrochloride salt.

Following reconstitution, aliquot and freeze (-20°C). Stock solutions are stable for up to 3 months at -20°C.

Swoboda, J.G., et al, 2013. ACS Chem. Biol.8, 1407.
Shen, W., et al, 2013. J. Am. Chem. Soc.135, 1669.

CALBIOCHEM is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Toxicity: Standard Handling (A)