Induced Pluripotent Stem Ips Cells

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.

This detailed volume presents a series of protocols that are representative of recent developments and improvements in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and corresponding human disease models. Reflecting the latest technology for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and their initial characterization, the book explores techniques invaluable both for studies of disease-specific cell types and for their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Disease: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital guide that is valuable for not only experts but also novices in the stem cell field.

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.

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.

Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells are mature cells that have been genetically reprogrammed so that they return to their embryonic state. It is not yet known if iPS stem cells and embryonic stem cells differ significantly. Today many fundamental belief systems in biology are shifting towards accepting that mature body cells can be reverted to an embryonic state without the help of eggs or embryos. With their changed identities, iPS cells are then ready to serve as new tools for research in the fields of disease pathogenesis, drug discovery, oncology, and cell transplantation. One example of this would be using iPS from a patient’s mature cells to repair damaged tissue; it is thought that there would be very low incidence of rejection of the ‘new’ tissue in these cases. For the last four years, this therapeutic promise has been studied by hundreds of researchers worldwide in an effort to understand the ability of these cells to reverse their biological clocks.

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.

This volume highlights recent advances using iPS cells in disease modeling and medical applications along with new technologies that enhance the power of iPS cells. While the discovery of iPS cells has provided excellent opportunities for developing models of human diseases, platforms for drug discovery and cell therapies, iPS cell technology still faces many challenges. Presenting the latest advances in this rapidly evolving research area, this book is intended to widen the community of researchers and clinicians interested in the exciting field of iPS cells.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology has paved new ways for disease modelling and drug discovery. Disease modelling with the differentiated neuronal cells from patient-specific iPS cells partially recapitulated the phenotypes of spinal muscular atrophy, familial dysautonomia and Rett syndrome. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of induced stem cells, including the cryopreservation of pluipotent stem cells; tissue engineering approaches using bioactive ceramics towards bone regeneration; induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes as an alternative to human adult hepatocytes; iPS technology for studying neurodegenerative diseases and iPS from cord blood cells.