Human Embryonic And Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Because of the huge potential of human embryonic stem (hES) cells, especially the newly developed human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, in disease treatment and life quality improvement, enormous efforts have been made to develop new methodologies to translate lab discoveries in stem cell research into bed-side clinical technologies. In Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Lineage-Specific Differentiation Protocols, experts in the field present a comprehensive collection of protocols designed for labs around the world. The topics covered in this detailed volume include techniques used for maintenance of hES and iPS cells in either small or large scale, techniques for directing hES and iPS cell lineage specification, techniques for enhancing the maturity of differentiated hES and iPS cells within three-dimensional scaffolds, techniques for reprogramming adult cells into iPS cells, techniques for generating patient-specific iPS cells, and techniques for translating hES and iPS cell research into new therapies. Chapters include lab ready protocols with tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Wide-ranging and authoritative, Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Lineage-Specific Differentiation Protocols will be a tremendous aid for researchers and students who wish to explore these areas and transform their discoveries into the next generation of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering technologies.

Human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, are a key focus of current biomedical research. The emergence of state of the art culturing techniques is promoting the realization of the full potential of pluripotent stem cells in basic and translational research and in cell-based therapies. This comprehensive and authoritative atlas summarizes more than a decade of experience accumulated by a leading research team in this field. Hands-on step-by-step guidance for the derivation and culturing of human pluripotent stem cells in defined conditions (animal product-free, serum-free, feeder-free) and in non-adhesion suspension culture are provided, as well as methods for examining pluripotency (embryoid body and teratoma formation) and karyotype stability. The Atlas of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells - Derivation and Culturing will serve as a reference and guide to established researchers and those wishing to enter the promising field of pluripotent stem cells.

Pluripotent stem cells have distinct characteristics: self-renewal and the potential to differentiate into various somatic cells. In recent years, substantial advances have been made from basic science to clinical applications. The vast amount knowledge available makes obtaining concise yet sufficient information difficult, hence the purpose of this book. In this book, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells are discussed. The book is divided into five sections: pluripotency, culture methods, toxicology, disease models, and regenerative medicine. The topics covered range from new concepts to current technologies. Readers are expected to gain useful information from expert contributors.

A discussion of all the key issues in the use of human pluripotent stem cells for treating degenerative diseases or for replacing tissues lost from trauma. On the practical side, the topics range from the problems of deriving human embryonic stem cells and driving their differentiation along specific lineages, regulating their development into mature cells, and bringing stem cell therapy to clinical trials. Regulatory issues are addressed in discussions of the ethical debate surrounding the derivation of human embryonic stem cells and the current policies governing their use in the United States and abroad, including the rules and conditions regulating federal funding and questions of intellectual property.

This lavishly-illustrated, authoritative atlas explores the intricate art of culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Twelve chapters – containing more than 280 color illustrations – cover a variety of topics in pluripotent stem cell culturing including mouse and human fibroblasts, human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, characteristic staining patterns, and abnormal cultures, among others. Atlas of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Culture is a comprehensive collection of illustrated techniques complemented by informative and educational captions examining what good quality cells look like and how they behave in various environments. Examples of perfect cultures are compared side-by-side to less-than-perfect and unacceptable examples of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell colonies. This detailed and thorough atlas is an invaluable resource for researchers, teachers, and students who are interested in or working with stem cell culturing.

Stem cells have generated a lot of excitement among the researchers, clinicians and the public alike. Various types of stem cells are being evaluated for their regenerative potential. Marginal benefit resulting by transplanting autologus stem cells (deemed to be absolutely safe) in various clinical conditions has been proposed to be a growth factor effect rather than true regeneration. In contrast, various pre-clinical studies have been undertaken, using differentiated cells from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells have shown promise, functional improvement and no signs of teratoma formation. The scientists are not in a rush to reach the clinic but a handful of clinical studies have shown promise. This book is a collection of studies/reviews, beginning with an introduction to the pluripotent stem cells and covering various aspects like derivation, differentiation, ethics, etc., and hence would provide insight into the recent standing on the pluripotent stem cells biology. The chapters have been categorized into three sections, covering subjects ranging from the generation of pluripotent stem cells and various means of their derivation from embryonic as well as adult tissues, the mechanistic understanding of pluripotency and narrating the potential therapeutic implications of these in vitro generated cells in various diseases, in addition to the associated pros and cons in the same.

This extensive new edition presents protocols reflecting the great strides made in the study of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The collection explores new and improved methods for the generation, expansion, and maintenance of iPS cells from different tissue types, characterization of their differentiation pathways along different lineages, and their potential utility in tissue repair and regeneration. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to arm stem cell biologists, both novice and expert, with invaluable protocols that are currently being used in various laboratories around the world.