Stem Cell Based Biosystems

Stem cell science has emerged as a novel discipline in biomedical research over the past decade. With advancements in this field, stem cells have demonstrated versatile applications ranging from basic research to clinical case studies. Recognizing the demand for knowledge in stem cell applications, this book aims to provide comprehensive information on stem cell technology and its application in biosystems. It covers fundamental culture methods, advanced stem cell-based biosystems, and clinical case studies of stem cell therapy. This book is intended for individuals with an interest in stem cell science, offering valuable insights into this rapidly evolving field.

Stem cell biology has drawn tremendous interest in recent years as it promises cures for a variety of incurable diseases. This book deals with the basic and clinical aspects of stem cell research and involves work on the full spectrum of stem cells isolated today. It also covers the conversion of stem cell types into a variety of useful tissues which may be used in the future for transplantation therapy. It is thus aimed at undergraduates, postgraduates, scientists, embryologists, doctors, tissue engineers and anyone who wishes to gain some insight into stem cell biology. This book is important as it is comprehensive and covers all aspects of stem cell biology, from basic research to clinical applications. It will have 33 chapters written by renowned stem cell scientists worldwide. It will be up-to-date and all the chapters include self-explanatory figures, color photographs, graphics and tables. It will be easy to read and give the reader a complete understanding and state of the art of the exciting science and its applications.

Most organs in the adult human body are able to maintain themselves and undergo repair after injury; these processes are largely dependent on stem cells. In this Monograph, the Guest Editors bring together leading authors in the field to provide information about the different classes of stem cells present both in the developing and adult lung: where they are found, how they function in homeostasis and pathologic conditions, the mechanisms that regulate their behaviour, and how they may be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. The book focuses on stem cells in the mouse and human lung but also includes the ferret as an increasingly important new model organism. Chapters also discuss how lung tissue, including endogenous stem cells, can be generated in vitro from pluripotent stem cell lines. This state-of-the-art collection comprehensively covers one of the most exciting areas of respiratory science

Current pharmacotherapies and surgical intervention provide limited benefit in the treatment of neural injuries or halting disease progression and has resulted in significant hope for the successes of stem cell research. The properties of stem cells render them appropriate for cell replacement therapy, endogenous repair, disease modeling as well as high-throughput drug screening and development. Such applications will aide in increasing our knowledge and developing treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s diseases as well as neural traumas including ischemic brain damage and traumatic brain injury. This Frontiers Research topic encouraged contributions from the general field of stem cell biology, with a particular emphasis on utilizing these cells to develop new therapies for neural repair. Related articles deal with issues such as: breakthroughs in stem cell proliferation/differentiation methodologies, using pluripotent and neural stem cells for transplantation and endogenous repair, the use of patient derived stem cells for disease modeling, using stem cells for drug discovery as well as the ethical issues related to the use of stem cells.

This detailed volume presents validated and well-adapted procedures involving humanized and/or stem cell-based neural model systems that have proven helpful in better understanding the essential brain functions involved in the pathogenesis of brain disorders. The book explores the generation of multiple neural cell types in 2D and 3D as well as cutting-edge techniques to assay neural function. 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 and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Stem Cell-Based Neural Model Systems for Brain Disorders serves as an essential resource for researchers and students in neuroscience, stem cell biology, and related fields.

Interest in the use of stem cells in aesthetic procedures has been increasing rapidly, reflecting the widespread acknowledgment of the tremendous potential of stem cell fat transfer. This is, however, the first book to be devoted entirely to the subject. The book opens by reviewing the history of the development of pluripotent stem cells and the results of research into the biochemistry and physiology of stem cells. Adipose tissue anatomy and survival are discussed and the wide range of aesthetic procedures involving stem cell fat transfer are then described in detail. These procedures relate to the face, breast, buttocks, legs, hands, penis and Poland syndrome. In addition, potential risks and complications are identified. The book has been written by leading experts and will be an invaluable source of information for students, beginners and experienced surgeons in a range of specialties.

This book provides a unique and innovative perspective on the controversial phenomenon of ‘stem cell tourism’. A growing number of patients are embarking on stem cell treatments that are clinically unproven and yet available in clinics and hospitals around the world. The authors offer a cutting-edge multi-dimensional perspective on this complex and rapidly changing phenomenon, including an analysis of the experiences of those who have undertaken or have contemplated undertaking a stem cell treatment, as well as examination of the views of those who undertake research or advise on or provide stem cell treatments. Developing the concept of ‘the political economy of hope’, and referencing case studies of the stem cell treatment market in China, Germany, and Australia, this book argues for a reframing of ‘stem cell tourism’ to understand why patients and families pursue these treatments and whether authorities’ concerns are justified and whether their responses are appropriate and proportionate to the alleged risks.