Tissue Stem Cells

by Christopher S. Potten (Editor), Robert B. Clarke (Editor), James Wilson (Editor), Andrew G. Renehan (Editor)

Overview

Tissue stem cells and their medical applications have become a major focus of research over the past decade. With 16 full-color illustrations, this reference provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the current and emerging technologies for stem cell research and transplantation. Divided into three sections covering general issues, adult stem cells within specific tissues, and clinical applications, this source studies advances in bone marrow transplantation, cancer development modeling, tumor analysis, and gene therapy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780824728991
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/24/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	428
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Christopher S. Potten, Robert B. Clarke, James Wilson, Andrew G. Renehan

Table of Contents

GENERAL ISSUES. Stem Cell Niche. Stem Cell Protective Mechanisms. Stem Cell Genetics. Stem Cell Regulatory Pathways. Plasticity. SPECIFIC TISSUES. Breast. Neural. Skin. Gut. Liver. CLINICAL APPLICATIONS. Bone Marrow Transplantation. Cancer Development Modeling. Tumors. Pancreas and Diabetes. Neural Degenerative Diseases. Gene Therapy. Skin Issues. Melanoblasts

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: Stem cells are characterized by their ability to undergo self renewal and terminal differentiation. They provide focal points for branching pathways in development, and they endow adult tissues with the ability to undergo regeneration and repair. This book states the case for interest in adult stem cells. The authors summarize the field and look ahead to medical applications. The book is divided conceptually into three parts: 1) stem cell theory; 2) evidence for stem cells in selected adult organs; and 3) emerging strategies for clinical applications of adult stem cells. The book's 14 chapters cover topics ranging from "mechanisms of genetic fidelity in adult stem cells" to "stem cell populations in skin." The primary focus is on developmental/cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Purpose: According to the editors, the goals of this book are to "provide a thorough and up-to-date summary of the current position of scientific knowledge with regard to stem cells from a range of adult tissues, including the skin, the intestine, and the liver." The authors hope to generate renewed enthusiasm for adult stem cell research and provide an essential reference for this field.
Audience: This book is written for basic science and clinical researchers interested in cellular and developmental biology, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine. Biomedical researchers interested in bioengineering, gene therapy, and oncology will also appreciate the breadth of topics. The editors hope that this book will be of interest to all researchers and students in the life sciences, not just stem cell biologists.
Features: The book strikes an excellent balance between theoretical discussion and experimental biology. Each chapter provides a helpful introduction, thorough discussion of the literature, and complete list of current references. Most figures and illustrations are reproduced in black and white. Beautiful color plates are added to highlight cellular and molecular markers for adult stem cells and their differentiated derivatives. The authors are international experts in this field.
Assessment: The contributions are interesting and well written. They provide essential information and the authors critically evaluate the literature. Controversial issues such as stem cell fusion and trans-differentiation are addressed in passing. The methods and references are up-to-date. The authors provide helpful introductions to their topics and excellent summaries of key findings. I enjoyed learning about "long-lived adult stem cells" as targets for carcinogenic mutations. I was amazed to learn that about 1,000 dispersed mammary epithelial cells can recombine to form a new gland using a fat pad assay. I was intrigued by the morphological similarities between stem cells from human fetal livers and human embryonic stem cells. One caveat is that this field is very much a work-in-progress. The field is hampered by lack of definitive cellular and molecular markers for adult stem cells. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms regulating stem cell behavior are largely unknown. This book provides a useful summary of current information and a welcome source of inspiration for students and scientists interested in adult stem cell biology.

Doody's Review Service