GSK3α functions as a stemness checkpoint across multiple stem cell states

In this study, we show that BRD0705, a selective GSK3α inhibitor, significantly enhances the self-renewal of both ESCs and EpiSCs. When combined with IWR1, BRD0705 sustains long-term maintenance of ESCs in a naïve state and EpiSCs in a primed state, even preserving their unique identities under long-term co-culture.

Single-cell RNA sequencing and histone mark profiling confirm that this regimen maintains distinct gene expression and epigenetic signatures corresponding to each pluripotent state. Importantly, unlike pan-GSK3 inhibitors CHIR-99021 (CHIR), BRD0705 acts independently of β-catenin signaling, unveiling a novel mechanism for supporting pluripotency. Finally, BRD0705/IWR1 also supports the maintenance of the formative pluripotent stem cells and neural stem cells.