Essentials of Stem Cell Biology

Robert Lanza is an American scientist and author whose research spans the range of natural science, from biology to theoretical physics. TIME magazine recognized him as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and Prospect magazine named him one of the Top 50 “World Thinkers.” He has hundreds of scientific publications and over 30 books, including definitive references in the fields of stem cells, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. He’s a former Fulbright Scholar and studied with polio-pioneer Jonas Salk and Nobel laureates Gerald Edelman (known for his work on the biological basis of consciousness) and Rodney Porter. He also worked closely (and co-authored papers in Science on self-awareness and symbolic communication) with noted Harvard psychologist BF Skinner. Dr. Lanza was part of the team that cloned the world’s first human embryo, the first endangered species, and published the first-ever reports of pluripotent stem cell use in humans. Anthony Atala, MD, is the G. Link Professor and Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Seventeen of his lab’s technologies have been translated to patients, including the first tissue-engineered organ for permanent implantation in a human. His research led to the discovery of a multipotent source of stem cells from amniotic fluid and placenta, advances in 3D printing of tissues and organs, and body-on-a-chip technologies. His work was twice listed among Time Magazine’s top 10 medical breakthroughs of the year, and he is a recipient of the Smithsonian Ingenuity Award. He has published over 900 journal articles, is the editor of 25 books, and holds over 250 national and international patents. Dr. Atala is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Inventors, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Reviews of the previous edition: "…serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners, and students embracing the latest advances in stem cells…From basic biology, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, and methods to the 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." --Anticancer Research 34, 2014"This book offers a thorough review of current research and therapeutic potential in the field of stem cell biology. The focus is on the therapeutic potential of stem cells, with the discussion of the current state of stem cell knowledge and stem cell therapies in various organs and tissues…any scientists interested in studying the field would benefit from this book's thorough treatment of the subject."Rating: 4 Stars --Doody.com, March 7, 2014

• PART ONE: INTRODUCTION TO STEM CELLS1. Why Stem Cell Research? Advances in the Field2. ‘Stemness’: Definitions, Criteria, and Standards3. Pluripotent Stem Cells from Vertebrate Embryos: Present Perspective and Future Challenges4. Embryonic Stem Cells in Perspective5. The Development of Epithelial Stem Cell ConceptsPART TWO: BASIC BIOLOGY/MECHANISMS6. Stem Cell Niches7. Mechanisms of Stem Cell Self-Renewal8. Cell Cycle Regulators in Stem Cells9. How Cells Change Their PhenotypePART THREE: TISSUE AND ORGAN DEVELOPMENT10. Differentiation in Early Development11. Stem Cells Derived from Amniotic Fluid12. Stem and Progenitor Cells Isolated from Cord Blood13. The Nervous System14. Sensory Epithelium of the Eye and Ear15. Epithelial Skin Stem Cells16. Hematopoietic Stem Cells17. Peripheral Blood Stem Cells18. Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells19. Mesenchymal Stem Cells20. Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells21. Stem Cells and the Regenerating Heart22. Cell Lineages and Stem Cells in the Embryonic Kidney23. Adult Liver Stem Cells24. Pancreatic Stem Cells25. Stem Cells in the Gastrointestinal TractPART FOUR: METHODS26. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells27. Embryonic Stem Cells: Derivation and Properties28. Isolation and Maintenance of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells29. Approaches for Derivation and Maintenance of Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Detailed Procedures and Alternatives30. Derivation and Differentiation of Human Embryonic Germ CellsPART FIVE: APPLICATIONS32. Neural Stem Cells – Therapeutic Applications in Neurodegenerative Diseases33. Adult Progenitor Cells as a Potential Treatment for Diabetes34. Burns and Skin Ulcers35. Stem Cells and Heart Disease36. Stem Cells for the Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy37. Cell Therapy for Liver Disease: From Hepatocytes to Stem Cells38. Orthopedic Applications of Stem Cells39. Embryonic Stem Cells in Tissue EngineeringPART SIX: REGULATION AND ETHICS40. Ethical Considerations41. Overview of the FDA Regulatory Process