Human Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols

Now in two volumes, this completely updated and expanded edition of Embryonic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols provides a diverse collection of readily reproducible cellular and molecular protocols for the manipulation of nonhuman embryonic stem cells. Volume one, Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols: Isolation and Characterization, Second Edition, provides a diverse collection of readily reproducible cellular and molecular protocols for the isolation, maintenance, and characterization of embryonic stem cells. The second volume, Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols: Differentiation Models, Second Edition, covers state-of-the-art methods for deriving many types of differentiating cells from ES cells. Together, the two volumes illuminate for both novices and experts our current understanding of the biology of embryonic stem cells and their utility in normal tissue homeostasis and regenerative medicine applications.

A comprehensive collection of diverse techniques for the molecular and cellular manipulation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells. These readily reproducible methods have been optimized for the derivation, characterization, and differentiation of hES cells, with special attention given to regenerative medicine applications. A companion CD provides color versions of all illustrations in the book. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Since 1998, the volume of research being conducted using human embryonic stem (hES) cells has expanded primarily using private funds because of restrictions on the use of federal funds for such research. Given limited federal involvement, privately funded hES cell research has thus far been carried out under a patchwork of existing regulations, many of which were not designed with this research specifically in mind. In addition, hES cell research touches on many ethical, legal, scientific, and policy issues that are of concern to the public. This report provides guidelines for the conduct of hES cell research to address both ethical and scientific concerns. The guidelines are intended to enhance the integrity of privately funded hES cell research by encouraging responsible practices in the conduct of that research.

This fully updated volume explores improved and extended protocols for embryonic stem cell (ESC) research, provided with the most direct and informative methodologies currently available. The book examines how these models for cell lineage and differentiation studies have continued to mature into a critical research workhorse. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Authoritative and up-to-date, Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols, Fourth Edition serves as an ideal resource for researching mining the depths of the ESC field.

A comprehensive collection of diverse techniques for the molecular and cellular manipulation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells. These readily reproducible methods have been optimized for the derivation, characterization, and differentiation of hES cells, with special attention given to regenerative medicine applications. A companion CD provides color versions of all illustrations in the book. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biologya series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

With this valuable practical guide, three members of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have compiled and edited the definite handbook for the exciting new field of human embryonic stem cell research. The editors have gathered protocols from scientists with extensive reputation and expertise, describing and comparing currently used techniques for the culture of human stem cells and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches. Human Embryonic Stem Cells: The Practical Handbook contains the first centralised collection of methods used in human embryonic stem cell biology. The book covers the derivation of human stem cell lines, the obtaining of cells from human stem cell banks, the culturing and characterisation of the cells, and the differentiation of the cells in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, almost all of these protocols can also be used for analyzing and manipulating induced pluripotency iPS stem cells. This allows an even greater number of opportunities for those interested in purusing work in pluripotent stem cells, disease modelling, and other aspects of basic regenerative medicine research. The novel and useful focus of this book sets it apart from other available books: Compares and evaluates the protocols used in leading laboratories working on human embryonic stem cells Centred solely on practical protocols for human (not mouse) embryonic stem cell research Includes extensive troubleshooting sections Addresses the different proclivities and behaviours of individual human embryonic cell lines Contains techniques currently known only to a small number of specialised laboratories worldwide This handbook represents an essential source of up-to-date practical information for all cell and developmental biologists working with human embryonic stem cells or wishing to enter the field. It is also essential reading for clinical researchers in areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases. Praise from the reviews: "...a highly readable and useful book... A notable feature of the book is its air of openness and honesty... This book... will help many to navigate the uncharted waters of human embryonic stem cell biology." BRITISH SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY "... the imaginative solutions in this book can inspire us to get past our most frustrating limitations." CELL STEM CELL "... the richness in the details of each protocol presented will certainly encourage more scientists to begin studies of Human pluripotent stem cells..." REGENERATIVE MEDICINE "In this fast-moving field, this [handbook] will help drive advances of more and more researchers." DIFFERENTIATION "...a valuable resource for seasoned and novice researchers... an excellent addition to the reference collection of any medical library or research laboratory." THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

In 2005, the National Academies released the book, Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which offered a common set of ethical standards for a field that, due to the absence of comprehensive federal funding, was lacking national standards for research. In order to keep the Guidelines up to date, given the rapid pace of scientific and policy developments in the field of stem cell research, the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee was established in 2006 with support from The Ellison Medical Foundation, The Greenwall Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. As it did in 2007 and 2008, the Committee identified issues that warranted revision, and this book addresses those issues in a third and final set of amendments. Specifically, this book sets out an updated version of the National Academies' Guidelines, one that takes into account the new, expanded role of the NIH in overseeing hES cell research. It also identifies those avenues of continuing National Academies' involvement deemed most valuable by the research community and other significant stakeholders.