The invention includes a cell-growth-on-bead assay for screening a one-bead-one-compound combinatorial bead library to identify synthetic ligands for cell attachment and growth or proliferation of epithelial and non-epithelial cells. Cells are incubated with a compound bead library for 24 to 72-hours, allowing them to attach and grow on the beads. Those beads with cells growing are removed, and the ligand on the bead is identified. Also provided are ligands specific for cancer cells.