Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of protecting and expanding hematopoietic cells. The present disclosure also provides methods of increasing the potency of hematopoietic cells. Aspects of the methods include contacting a starting population of hematopoietic cells with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one ALDH2 agonist. Aspects include in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo methods of protecting, expanding and increasing the potency of hematopoietic cells. Aspects of the methods include treating an individual who is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, has been exposed to damaging toxins, has a genetic disease that leads to HSC damage, bone marrow failure, an autoimmune disease, or development of hematologic malignancies. Aspects of the methods also include treating a healthy individual who is a stem cell transplant donor.