Patient specific and disease specific stem cell lines have already introduced groundbreaking advances into the research and practice of ophthalmology. This volume provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the latest innovations in the field. Twelve chapters discuss the fastest growing areas in ophthalmological stem cell research, from disease modelling, drug screening and gene targeting to clinical genetics and regenerative treatments. Innovative results from stem cell research of the past decade are pointing the way toward practicable treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, age related macular degeneration, and Stargardt disease. What future directions will stem cell research take? Researchers, graduate students, and fellows alike will find food for thought in this insightful guide tapping into the collective knowledge of leaders in the field. Stem Cells in Ophthalmology is part of the Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine series dedicated to discussing current challenges and future directions in stem cell research.

Ocular neuroprotection is aimed at protecting the death of photoreceptors, retinal ganglion, or other important neurons in cases of disease or trauma. Levin (ophthalmology and neurology, U. of Wisconsin at Madison, US) and Di Polo (pathology and cell biology, U. of Montreal, Canada) present 18 chapt.

Recent scientific breakthroughs, celebrity patient advocates, and conflicting religious beliefs have come together to bring the state of stem cell researchâ€"specifically embryonic stem cell researchâ€"into the political crosshairs. President Bush's watershed policy statement allows federal funding for embryonic stem cell research but only on a limited number of stem cell lines. Millions of Americans could be affected by the continuing political debate among policymakers and the public. Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine provides a deeper exploration of the biological, ethical, and funding questions prompted by the therapeutic potential of undifferentiated human cells. In terms accessible to lay readers, the book summarizes what we know about adult and embryonic stem cells and discusses how to go about the transition from mouse studies to research that has therapeutic implications for people. Perhaps most important, Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine also provides an overview of the moral and ethical problems that arise from the use of embryonic stem cells. This timely book compares the impact of public and private research funding and discusses approaches to appropriate research oversight. Based on the insights of leading scientists, ethicists, and other authorities, the book offers authoritative recommendations regarding the use of existing stem cell lines versus new lines in research, the important role of the federal government in this field of research, and other fundamental issues.

This book will contain the proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2010), held July 13-17, 2010, in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. The volume will present representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy.

A physician and pioneer in the integrative treatment of serious eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt and other retinopathies reveals the best strategies used today to prevent and reverse these devastating diseases. Drawing on some of the hottest topics in modern medicine, the book discusses the surprising revelations from the research in Epigenetics and adult stem cells. Your genes are not your destiny. From our work with thousands of people, we understand that you might be fearful that you will lose your independence or your ability to do even the simplest tasks because serious eye disease is taking your sight. This book empowers you with simple tools that combat degenerative eye disease. Tools that support a healthy lifestyle and methods to remove damaging stress from your day to day life. You will find ways to transform fear into action, so that you can move forward in your life. Instead of fear you will begin to have control. You can have the ability to drive again, see your grandkids again. The book presents techniques drawn from over 30 years of working directly with these diseases that over and over again show something can be done to slow and reverse these challenging issues. Along with these techniques it features real life stories of success from people who were in the same place as you might be right now. You are not alone in this experience. There are thousands of others who walk the path with you. Feel like you don't quite understand the components and causes of eye disease, let alone how they can be reversed? By reading this book you will better understand the root sources of these challenges and how healing occurs. Knowledge is power after all and this book is here as your resource. There is in-depth discussion of key topics regarding adult stem cells, Epigenetics and other topics you need to know. Stop feeling helpless. There is a wealth of information in this book that can help you now. These methods have helped thousands of people around the world restore vision in diseases that most physicians consider hopeless. This book provides hope and a clear plan of action. If you or those you love are challenged by degenerative eye disease, then this book will be a powerful friend in giving you back the parts of your life taken by eye. There is Hope for Sight(r).

Stem Cells and Aging covers what is known about the effect of time and age on the basic units of life, which are the corresponding tissue-specific or adult stem cells. Even though the concept of stem cells was introduced nearly a century ago by Alexander Maximow, modern stem-cell research began in 1963 when James Till, Ernest McCullough and Lou Siminovitch established assays to detect hematopoietic stem cells. In fact, given the importance of the aging-associated diseases, scientists have developed a keen interest in understanding the aging process as they attempt to define the role of dysfunctional stem cells in the aging process. With an aging population worldwide, understanding these age-related stem cell changes at a basic biology level and at the level of their influences for regenerative medicine is of interest and importance. There is increasing evidence that the aging process can have much adverse effects on stem cells. In the modern era, one of the emerging fields in treating human diseases is stem cell research, as stem cells have the remarkable potential to treat a wide range of diseases. Nevertheless, understanding the molecular mechanism involved in aging and deterioration of stem cell function is crucial in developing effective new therapies for aging. - Serves as an ideal reference to guide investigators toward valuable answers to the problems of our aging population - Addresses the effect of time and age on human stem cells - Includes chapters from contributors exploring the biology of stem cell aging around the globe

This text provides expert instruction on the varying surgical techniques currently employed for the regeneration of the ocular surface. Corneal Regeneration: Therapy and Surgery begins with a thorough discussion of current research based on data obtained in clinical human studies, and discusses the potential clinical implications for this promising new stage of eye surgery. Sections devoted to the stem cell, regenerative surgery and therapy of the ocular surface epithelium, corneal stroma, and corneal endothelium follow, each section comprehensively covering applied anatomy, current therapy and regenerative techniques, with a look to future directions of the field including eventual cell therapy. Corneal Regeneration: Therapy and Surgery is the first book of its kind, systematically covering the developments the medical community has achieved in corneal regeneration from all angles. Written and edited by leading experts in the field, researchers and ophthalmologists alike will find this to be a unique source of information on corneal regeneration, as well as a thoughtful reflection on potential applications of regenerative surgery in ophthalmology as a whole.