Modulation of physical properties of supramolecular hydrogels based on a hydrophobic core.

We demonstrate herein the variation in viscoelastic properties of supramolecular hydrogels (SMGs) composed of two amphiphiles, N-Palmitoyl-Gly-His (PalGH) and sodium palmitate (PalNa). PalGH molecules in water form lamellar-like assemblies, which stack into sheet-shaped aggregates, resulting in the evolution of three-dimensional network structures. Once PalNa is added to PalGH, the alkyl groups of PalNa incorporate themselves into the hydrophobic cores of PalGH lamellar-like assemblies, resulting in a change in the assembly from lamellar-like to fibrous micelle-like.

Ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells by a small-molecule agonist of c-MPL.

Objective: The signaling by thrombopoietin (TPO) via its receptor, c-MPL, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Small-molecule c-MPL agonists have recently been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of thrombocytopenia. However, their effects on HSCs have not yet been explored.