Stem Cells

This textbook presents the basic concepts underlying the fast-moving science of stem cell biology. Stem Cells provides a comprehensive understanding of these unique cells, highlighting key areas of research, associated controversies, case studies, technologies, and pioneers in the field.

Preface Acknowledgements PART I. AN INTRODUCTION TO STEM CELLS 1. The essential principles of stem cell science 2. Stem cell identification, isolation, and characterization PART II. STEM CELL POTENCY AND CONTROL 3. Embryonic stem cells, cloning, and pluripotency 4. Controlling stem cells: Receipt and interpretation of external cues 5. Cell plasticity, reprogramming, and induced pluripotent stem cells 6. The stem cell niche PART III. STEM CELLS ACROSS THE ANIMAL AND PLANT KINGDOMS 7. Regeneration in animals: The evolution of stem cells 8. Plant stem cells PART IV. STEM CELLS IN SPECIALIZED ADULT ANIMAL TISSUES 9. Hematopoietic stem cells 10. Musculo-skeletal and dental stem cells in mammals 11. Stem cells in endoderm-derived organs 12. Stem cells underpinning the generation of germ cells 13. Stem cells in the cardiovascular system 14. Stem cells in the nervous and sensory systems 15. Stem cells in the skin, its appendages, and other epithelial tissues 16. Atypical stem cells that enable and modulate immune system function PART V. BIOMEDICAL AND ECONOMIC APPLICATIONS OF STEM CELLS 17. Stem cells in biomedicine: Disease modeling and tissue repair 18. Stem cells in biomedicine: Stem cells in aging and cancer 19. Stem cell applications in domesticated and wild animals and in horticulture 20. Stem cells and society: A philosophical, ethical, and economical view Glossary Index