Humana Protocols for Adult Stem Cells: 621 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 621)

Here are methods for studying five types of clinically-relevant mammalian stems cells: mammary, nerve, skeletal muscle, endothelial and mesenchymal. Covers obtaining, characterizing and studying these cells or adapting them to the stem cells of choice. Review From the reviews:“This volume in the popular Methods in Molecular Biology series provides a snapshot of research techniques and protocols for identifying and culturing these amazing tissue-specific stem cells. … The book is written for basic science and clinical researchers interested in stem cell biology, as well as mechanisms of carcinogenesis and malignancy. It also will be valued by biomedical scientists and clinicians interested in cytotechnology and biotechnology. … The topic is fascinating and clinically relevant. I enjoyed learning about antigen-priming dendritic cells.” (Bruce A. Fenderson, Doody’s Review Service, August, 2010) From the Back Cover The study of adult stem cells has surged in recent years. Because they are responsible for the body’s natural ability to fight diseases, heal and recover, or fail and succumb to various maladies, it has become increasingly important to adapt or devise new methods to identify and obtain these cells in quantity and purity for further study. In Protocols for Adult Stem Cells, expert researchers present a variety of methods for studying five types of clinically-relevant mammalian stems cells: mammary, nerve, skeletal muscle, endothelial and mesenchymal. Culture techniques have been optimized for managing the growth and differentiation of stem cells in vitro; as some stem cells are pluripotent, often the method is to guide the fate of such cells among the possible differentiation fates. Chapters include information that will assist researchers in obtaining, characterizing and studying these cells or adapting them to the stem cells of choice. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Critical and cutting edge, Protocols for Adult Stem Cells is an essential guide which provides groundbreaking and novel techniques certain to redefine the field of stem cell biology.