Kartogenin and Its Application in Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine refers to the possibility of replacing aged/damaged cells with genetically similar young and functional cells to restore or establish normal function. Kartogenin (KGN), a small heterocyclic, drug-like compound was discovered in 2012, which is strongly associated with regenerative medicine. KGN has been applied in many regenerative fields, including cartilage regeneration and protection, tendon-bone healing, wound healing, and limb development. KGN could facilitate cartilage repair, promote formation of cartilage-like transition zone in tendon-bone junctions, stimulate collagen synthesis for wound healing, and regulate limb development in a coordinated manner. Considering the related mechanism, filamin A/CBF/RUNX1, Ihh, and TGF/Smad pathways have been reported to involve KGN. Therefore, KGN is proven a promising agent in regenerative medicine; however, studies conducted on the effect of KGN are limited to date and not convictive for long-term use. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term effect and potential molecular mechanisms of KGN. Our investigations may motivate researchers to expand its applications in different forms and fields.