Adult Stem Cell Niches

Biology and Engineering of Stem Cell Niches covers a wide spectrum of research and current knowledge on embryonic and adult stem cell niches, focusing on the understanding of stem cell niche molecules and signaling mechanisms, including cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions. The book comprehensively reviews factors regulating stem cell behavior and the corresponding approaches for understanding the subsequent effect of providing the proper matrix molecules, mechanical cues, and/or chemical cues. It encompasses a variety of tools and techniques for developing biomaterials-based methods to model synthetic stem cell niches in vivo, or to enhance and direct stem cell fate in vitro. A final section of the book discusses stem cell niche bioengineering strategies and current advances in each tissue type. Includes the importance of Cell-Cell and Cell Matrix Interactions in each specific tissue and system Authored and edited by authorities in this emerging and multidisciplinary field Includes valuable links to 5-10 minute YouTube© author videos that describe main points

Tissue-specific stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into several types of functional cells that replenish lost cells throughout an organism?s lifetime. Studies on stem cells from diverse systems have shown that stem cell function is controlled by extracellular cues from the niche and by intrinsic genetic programs within the stem cell. The objectives of this book would be to review the molecular mechanisms that mediate the balanced response of stem cells to the needs of the organisms. Likewise, niches have also been linked to pathologies, by imposing aberrant function on stem cells or other targets. Therefore, the second objective of this book would be to highligh the molecular dysregulation of niche biology leading to the disease. The third objective would be to review the therapeutical targets described within stem cell niches.

In this comprehensive and cutting-edge book, leading experts explore the parameters that define germline stem cells and the mechanisms that regulate the cell behavior in order to better isolate, characterize and maintain them. The volume begins by providing protocols for germline stem cell identification and regulation in model organisms, and concludes with detailed chapters covering current techniques involving in vitro culture and the applications of the cells.

First developed as an accessible abridgement of the successful Handbook of Stem Cells, Essentials of Stem Cell Biology serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners and students that are embracing the latest advances in stem cells. Representing the combined effort of seven editors and more than 200 scholars and scientists whose pioneering work has defined our understanding of stem cells, this book combines the prerequisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells with a presentation by the world's experts of the latest research information about specific organ systems. From basic biology/mechanisms, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, methods to application of stem cells to specific human diseases, regulation and ethics, and patient perspectives, no topic in the field of stem cells is left uncovered. Selected for inclusion in Doody's Core Titles 2013, an essential collection development tool for health sciences libraries Contributions by Nobel Laureates and leading international investigators Includes two entirely new chapters devoted exclusively to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells written by the scientists who made the breakthrough Edited by a world-renowned author and researcher to present a complete story of stem cells in research, in application, and as the subject of political debate Presented in full color with glossary, highlighted terms, and bibliographic entries replacing references

This timely volume explores tissue-derived stem cells, summarizing and evaluating the current body of knowledge. Sixteen chapters cover hematopoietic, osteoblast, skeletal, cardiac, pancreatic, epithelial, corneal, hepatic, renal, testicular, ovarian, fingernail, hair follicle and other stem cells- discussing their individual development, functions and pathologies, as well as the commonalities and interdependence between niches. This installment of the popular Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series delivers authoritative, international perspectives on this rapidly growing field. Tissue-Specific Stem Cell Niche is an ideal complementary volume to Biology of Stem Cell Niche and Adult Stem Cells, Second Edition and will be invaluable to clinicians and researchers working with stem cells as well as to postgraduate trainees who are studying them.

Stem cells have been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. Their unique potential to self-renew and differentiate has turned them into an attractive model for the study of basic biological questions such as cell division, replication, transcription, cell fate decisions, and more. With embryonic stem (ES) cells that can generate each cell type in the mammalian body and adult stem cells that are able to give rise to the cells within a given lineage, basic questions at different developmental stages can be addressed. Importantly, both adult and embryonic stem cells provide an excellent tool for cell therapy, making stem cell research ever more pertinent to regenerative medicine. As the title The Cell Biology of Stem Cells suggests, our book deals with multiple aspects of stem cell biology, ranging from their basic molecular characteristics to the in vivo stem cell trafficking of adult stem cells and the adult stem-cell niche, and ends with a visit to regeneration and cell fate reprogramming. In the first chapter, “Early embryonic cell fate decisions in the mouse”, Amy Ralson and Yojiro Yamanaka describe the mechanisms that support early developmental decisions in the mouse pre-implantation embryo and the current understanding of the source of the most immature stem cell types, which includes ES cells, trophoblast stem (TS) cells and extraembryonic endoderm stem (XEN) cells.

Studies on stem cells have been attracting intense scientific and p- lic attention, not only because of controversies surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells but also because of very provocative data that have been emerging on adult stem cells. Much of the public attention and debate has been focused on the possibility that adult stem cells may be used as a substitute for human embryonic stem cells or as a justification for stopping work on them. This has somewhat dim- ished attention on very heated scientific debates that take us to the very heart of how the concept of stem cells is perceived. To this author, the latter debates have not been unlike certain philosophical debates of the last century. Since the seminal studies of Till and McCulloch in the 1960s, the popular paradigm on adult stem cells has been that lineage-restricted stem cells are derived from pluripotent stem cells very early during development. To many, and consistent with much data, the restriction to particular lineages was considered absolute. In other words, there was a sense of determinism in the stem quality of particular stem cells: once they were allocated, they were programmed to specific roles in a given tissue. Furthermore, some adult tissues were considered devoid of detectable stem cell presence or activity.

This comprehensive volume explores functions, pathologies, and applications of stem cells in relation to the niches in which they develop. Ten chapters cover the subject in depth, from a historical perspective through signaling, hormonal control, quiescence, biomimetics, epigenetics, engineering strategies for emulating, tumorigenesis and more. The chapter authors represent a broad range of international expertise and perspectives. This installment of the popular Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series delivers authoritative, international perspectives on this rapidly growing field. Biology of Stem Cell Niche is an ideal complementary volume to Tissue-Specific Stem Cell Niche and Adult Stem Cells, Second Edition and will be invaluable to clinicians and researchers working with stem cells as well as to postgraduate trainees who are studying them.