The recent advances in Programming Somatic Cell (PSC) including induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS) and Induced Neuronal phenotypes (iN), has changed our experimental landscape and opened new possibilities. The advances in PSC have provided an important tool for the study of human neuronal function as well as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases in live human neurons in a controlled environment. For example, reprogramming cells from patients with neurological diseases allows the study of molecular pathways particular to specific subtypes of neurons such as dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s Disease, Motor neurons for Amyolateral Sclerosis or myelin for Multiple Sclerosis. Detecting disease-specific molecular signatures in live human brain cells, opens possibilities for early intervention therapies and new diagnostic tools. Importantly, once the neurological neural phenotype is detected in vitro, the so-called “disease-in-a-dish” approach allows for the screening of drugs that can ameliorate the disease-specific phenotype. New therapeutic drugs could either act on generalized pathways in all patients or be patient-specific and used in a personalized medicine approach. However, there are a number of pressing issues that need to be addressed and resolved before PSC technology can be extensively used for clinically relevant modeling of neurological diseases. Among these issues are the variability in PSC generation methods, variability between individuals, epigenetic/genetic instability and the ability to obtain disease-relevant subtypes of neurons . Current protocols for differentiating PSC into specific subtypes of neurons are under development, but more and better protocols are needed. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in human neural differentiation will facilitate the development of methods and tools to enrich and monitor the generation of specific subtypes of neurons that would be more relevant in modeling different neurological diseases.

Recent Advances in iPSC Disease Modeling, Volume 1 addresses how induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to model various diseases. Somatic cells are reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells by the expression of specific transcription factors. These cells are transforming biomedical research in the last 15 years. This volume teaches readers about current advances in the field. This book describes the use of induced pluripotent stem cells to model several diseases in vitro, enabling us to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in different pathologies. Further insights into these mechanisms will have important implications for our understanding of disease appearance, development, and progression. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the obtention of induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation into several cell types, tissues, and organs using state-of-art techniques. These advantages facilitated identification of key targets and definition of the molecular basis of several disorders. The volume is written for researchers and scientists in stem cell therapy, cell biology, regenerative medicine and organ transplantation; and is contributed by world-renowned authors in the field. Provides overview of the fast-moving field of induced pluripotent stem cell technology, regenerative medicine, and therapeutics Covers the following diseases: severe congenital neutropenia, sickle cell and Diamond-Blackfan anemias, muscular dystrophies, Bernard-Soulier syndrome, familial hypercholesterolemia type II A, Werner syndrome, lysosomal storage diseases, and more Contains description of cutting-edge research on the development of disease-specific human pluripotent stem cells. These cells allow us to study cellular and molecular processes involved in several human diseases

This is the thirteenth volume in a series which presents current understanding of stem cells and cancer stem cells. This book presents many relevant topics including the different sources of cancer stem cells: the features, roles and clinical potential of stem cells emerge from engaging with this comprehensive work. Chapters explore molecular mechanisms underlying human somatic cell reprogramming to generate induced pluripotent stem cells and provide expert discussion of the advantages and limitations of applications of some of the stem cell types (pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells). Many advances are explored, including the importance of stem cell markers in diagnosis, the role of stem cells in angiogenesis and a method for isolating multi potent endothelial-like cells from human adipose tissue, to name a few. Readers will also find a consideration of mathematical models and other quantitative tools which could facilitate research and discovery in the field. The editor’s preface to the book and the series is particularly helpful in introducing the work presented in this volume. The detailed overviews, practical experience and insights of international expert authors presented in this handbook will be of value to both professional practitioners and scholars in basic research.

Stem cell science has the potential to impact human reproductive medicine significantly - cutting edge technologies allow the production and regeneration of viable gametes from human stem cells offering potential to preciously infertile patients. Written by leading experts in the field Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine brings together chapters on the genetics and epigenetics of both the male and female gametes as well as advice on the production and regeneration of gene cells in men and women, trophoblasts and endometrium from human embryonic and adult stem cells. Although focussing mainly on the practical elements of the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine, the book also contains a section on new developments in stem cell research. The book is essential reading for reproductive medicine clinicians, gynecologists and embryologists who want to keep abreast of practical developments in this rapidly developing field.

Offers readers an understanding of the development of neural crest cells, which is crucial as many birth defects and tumours are of neural crest origin. Delving into stem cells from different locations of the body, this book explores the best possible source of such cells for the use in medical applications.

Handbook of Innovations in CNS Regenerative Medicine provides a comprehensive overview of the CNS regenerative medicine field. The book describes the basic biology and anatomy of the CNS and how injury and disease affect its balance and the limitations of the present therapies used in the clinics. It also introduces recent trends in different fields of CNS regenerative medicine, including cell transplantation, bio and neuro-engineering, molecular/pharmacotherapy therapies and enabling technologies. Finally, the book presents successful cases of translation of basic research to first-in-human trials and the steps needed to follow this path. Areas such as cell transplantation approaches, bio and neuro-engineering, molecular/pharmacotherapy therapies and enabling technologies are key in regenerative medicine are covered in the book, along with regulatory and ethical issues. Describes the basic biology and anatomy of the CNS and how injury and disease affect its balance Discusses the limitations of present therapies used in the clinics Introduces the recent trends in different fields of CNS regenerative medicine, including cell transplantation, bio and neuro-engineering, molecular/pharmacotherapy therapies, and enabling technologies Presents successful cases of translation of basic research to first-in-human trials, along with the steps needed to follow this path