Professor Oh's team discovered a small-molecule compound called 'SKL2001', which induces osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

This study is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation of Korea, and it has recently been published in the online edition of 'Cell Research', which is published by Nature Publishing Group.

Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells, which exist in the bone marrow. They can be differentiated to osteoblast, as well as to fat, cartilage, and muscle. Until now, it was known that the cell would differentiate into osteoblast when Wnt signaling is active, and that specific proteins (Wnt 3a) strengthen Wnt signaling. However, this is the first time it has been proven that not only protein but also small-molecule compounds can act as a substance that can activate the Wnt signaling. Wnt signaling is a signal transduction system between stem cells, mainly performed by Wnt protein, and this signaling system has a significant impact on the growth and differentiation of cells.

The researchers found the 'SKL2001' compounds through a 'cell-based high-speed screening' technique. This technique is a process of injecting 270,000 kinds of small-molecule compounds to the kidney embryonic cells, which are genetically engineered to react to Wnt signaling-activate substances.

Professor Oh said, "the SK2001 compounds found through this research can be developed as a safe targeting treatment with fewer side effects for diseases like osteoporosis." With this new chemical substance, progress in the cure for bone diseases is expected.