Human Embryonic Stem Cells
J. S. Odorico, J.S. Odorico, Roger A. Pedersen (Editor), J.S. Odorico (Editor), R. PedersonBooks.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Since the first successful isolation and cultivation of human embryonic stem cells at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1998, there has been high levels of both interest and controversy in this area of research.
This book provides a concise overview of an exciting field, covering the characteristics of both human embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells from other human cell lineages. The following chapters describe state-of-the-art differentiation and characterization of specific ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm-derived lineages from human embryonic stem cells, emphasizing how these can be used to study human developmental mechanisms. A further chapter discusses genetic manipulation of human ES cells. The concluding section covers therapeutic applications of human ES cells, as well as addressing the ethical and legal issues that this research have raised.
Synopsis
The Advanced Methods series is intended for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and established research scientists. Titles in the series are designed to cover current important areas of research in life sciences, and include both theoretical background and detailed protocols. The aim is to give researchers sufficient theory, supported by references, to take the given protocols and adapt them to their particular experimental systems.
Since the first successful isolation and cultivation of human embryonic stem cells at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1998, there have been high levels of both interest and controversy in this area of research. This book provides a concise overview of an exciting field, covering the characteristics of both human embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells from other human cell lineages. The following chapters describe state-of-the-art differentiation and characterization of specific ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm-derived l
The New England Journal of Medicine
"A real strength of this book is that ethical, political, and legal aspects are discussed in detail, and the guidelines, regulations, and restrictions concerning embryonic stem-cell research are laid out systematically. ...A useful compendium for basic scientists and clinicians working in the field."
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Alla Arzumanyan, Ph.D.(Thomas Jefferson University)Description: Stem cells have an epigenetic organization of chromatin and set of transcription factors that permit the sequential read-out of developmental information. Nondescript stem cells of the early embryo give rise through cell division, migration, and cell interactions to germ cells and somatic cells of the fetus and the adult. In addition to tracing branching pathways of differentiation, these remarkable cells can create three-dimensional tissues and organs. The mechanisms are complex, but much progress has been made since human embryonic stem (ES) cells were first derived in 1998. This compact book includes 19 chapters on topics ranging from the biological characteristics of embryonic stem cells to the derivation of differentiated cells for therapeutic application. Ethical and legal issues in embryonic stem cell research are also addressed.
Purpose: According to the editors, the purpose is to "provide students and scientists with a great appreciation of the truly unique properties of human embryonic stem cells." The authors hope to encourage new outstanding scientists to enter the field, and stimulate efforts to generate novel stem cell-based therapies for human disease.
Audience: This book is written for a wide audience of basic science researchers and clinicians interested in the biology and application of stems cells. The audience will include developmental biologists, as well as specialists in gene profiling, proteomics, and tissue engineering. Graduate students and experienced researchers will appreciate this state-of-the art review of the stem cell literature.
Features: The book provides an outstanding introduction to embryonic stem cell research. Each chapter includes an introduction, summary, and list of key references. The book includes an excellent mix of photomicrographs and diagrams as well as a few color plates. Early chapters present a summary of information regarding the derivation and properties of stem cells, including ES, EG and EC cells. Later chapters provide examples of lineage-specific cell differentiation (e.g., formation of cardiac myocytes and neurons). The book includes a list of commonly-used abbreviations and an appendix that highlights stem cell resources (e.g., publications focusing on stem cells).
Assessment: This is a well-written and easy-to-read, compact book. The editors have brought together outstanding experts and assembled a nice cross-sectional view of this enlarging field. The authors review general concepts, discuss research methods, and summarize published literature. I highly recommend this book for all those interested in embryonic stem cells. The book will bring you up to speed; it is packed with need-to-know information and will be a great resource for years to come.
The New England Journal of Medicine
"A real strength of this book is that ethical, political, and legal aspects are discussed in detail, and the guidelines, regulations, and restrictions concerning embryonic stem-cell research are laid out systematically. ...A useful compendium for basic scientists and clinicians working in the field."4 Stars! from Doody