Human pluripotent stem cells such as human embryonic stem cells (hESC)
and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) with their unique
developmental plasticity hold immense potential as cellular models for
drug discovery and in regenerative medicine as a source for cell
replacement. While hESC are derived from a developing embryo, iPSC are
generated with forced expression of key transcription factors to convert
adult somatic cells to ESC-like cells, a process termed reprogramming.
Using iPSC overcomes ethical issues concerning the use of developing
embryos and it can be generated from patient-specific or
disease-specific cells for downstream applications. Pluripotent Stem
Cells: Methods and Protocols highlights the best methods and systems
for the entire work flow. Divided into four convenient sections, topics
include a focus on producing iPSC from diverse somatic sources, media
systems for expanding ESC and iPSC with detailed protocols for directed
differentiation into specific lineages, commonly used cellular and
molecular characterization methods, and the potential application of
labeled stem cells with specific methods for cloning, gene delivery and
cell engineering. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular
Biology(TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their
respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents,
step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on
troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Authoritative and easily accessible, Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods
and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its
well-honed methodologies in an effort to further our knowledge of this
essential cellular feature.
