Humana Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols: 997 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 997)

This Methods in Molecular Biology™ book discusses iPSC production from diverse somatic sources, commonly used characterization methods and the potential application of labeled stem cells with specific methods for cloning, gene delivery and cell engineering. Review From the reviews: “This book is a collection of methods and protocols for the successful generation and characterization of pluripotent stem cells. … It will be helpful to researchers, lab technicians, and students interested in creating pluripotent cells and their commitment to specific cell lineages. … The combination of approachable methods and extremely detailed protocols make this a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in this specific field of research. … the figures, tables, and diagrams clarify the text and make the protocols easy to understand.” (Michele Fornaro, Doody’s Book Reviews, November, 2013)“It is particularly wellcome a book devoted to the basic of the pluripotent stem cells … . All of the chapters are of great value and help in the every day lab working of the stem cell byologist, no doubt … .” (CarloAlberto Redi, European Journal of Histochemistry, Vol. 57, 2013) From the Back Cover 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 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™ 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.