Human Embryonic Stem Cells

With this valuable practical guide, three members of the HarvardStem Cell Institute have compiled and edited the definite handbookfor the exciting new field of human embryonic stem cell research.The editors have gathered protocols from scientists with extensivereputation and expertise, describing and comparing currently usedtechniques for the culture of human stem cells and discussing thestrengths and weaknesses of the different approaches. Human Embryonic Stem Cells: The PracticalHandbook contains the first centralised collection ofmethods used in human embryonic stem cell biology. The book coversthe derivation of human stem cell lines, the obtaining of cellsfrom human stem cell banks, the culturing and characterisation ofthe cells, and the differentiation of the cells in vitro andin vivo. Lastly, almost all of these protocols can also beused for analyzing and manipulating induced pluripotency iPS stemcells. This allows an even greater number of opportunities forthose interested in purusing work in pluripotent stem cells,disease modelling, and other aspects of basic regenerative medicineresearch. The novel and useful focus of this book sets it apart from otheravailable books: * Compares and evaluates the protocols used in leadinglaboratories 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 ofindividual human embryonic cell lines * Contains techniques currently known only to a small number ofspecialised laboratories worldwide This handbook represents an essential source of up-to-datepractical information for all cell and developmental biologistsworking with human embryonic stem cells or wishing to enter thefield. It is also essential reading for clinical researchersin areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurologicaldiseases. Praise from the reviews: "...a highly readable and useful book... A notablefeature of the book is its air of openness and honesty... Thisbook... will help many to navigate the uncharted waters ofhuman embryonic stem cell biology." BRITISH SOCIETY FOR CELLBIOLOGY "... the imaginative solutions in this book can inspire us toget past our most frustrating limitations." CELL STEM CELL "... the richness in the details of each protocol presentedwill certainly encourage more scientists to begin studies of Humanpluripotent stem cells..." REGENERATIVE MEDICINE "In this fast-moving field, this [handbook] will help driveadvances of more and more researchers." DIFFERENTIATION "...a valuable resource for seasoned and noviceresearchers... an excellent addition to the reference collection ofany medical library or research laboratory." THE AMERICANMEDICAL ASSOCIATION