Biologia molecolare

Stem cells are self-replicating and undifferentiated, meaning their function is not yet cell, tissue, or organ-specific. Due to the unique nature of these cells, research into their biology and function holds great promise for therapeutic applications through replacement or repair of diseased and damaged cells. This reader-friendly manual provides a practical "hands on" guide to the culture of human embryonic and somatic stem cells. By presenting methods for embryonic and adult lines side-by-side, the authors lay out an elegant and unique path to understanding the science of stem cell practice. The authors begin with a broad-based introduction to the field, and also review legal and regulatory issues and patents. Each experimental strategy is presented with an historical introduction, detailed method, discussion of alternative methods, and common pitfalls. This lab guide for researchers also serves as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory courses.

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

There have been tremendous strides in cellular transplantation in recent years, leading to accepted practice for the treatment of certain diseases, and use for many others in trial phases. The long history of cellular transplantation, or the transfer of cells from one organism or region of the body to another, has been revolutionized by advances in stem cell research, as well as developments in gene therapy. Cellular Transplants: From Lab to Clinic provides a thorough foundation of the basic science underpinning this exciting field, expert overviews of the state-of-the-art, and detailed description of clinical success stories to date, as well as insights into the road ahead. As highlighted by this timely and authoritative survey, scale-up technologies and whole organ transplantation are among the hurdles representing the next frontier. The contents are organized into four main sections, with the first covering basic biology, including transplant immunology, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, stem cell biology, and the development of donor animals for transplantation. The next part looks at peripheral and reconstructive applications, followed by a section devoted to transplantation for diseases of the central nervous system. The last part presents efforts to address the key challenges ahead, such as identifying novel transplantable cells and integrating biomaterials and nanotechnology with cell matrices. Provides detailed description of clinical trials in cell transplantation Review of current therapeutic approaches Coverage of the broad range of diseases addressed by cell therapeutics Discussion of stem cell biology and its role in transplantation