erebellar ataxia is a failure in muscular coordination that re C sults from a slow, progressive deterioration of neurons in the cerebellum. An estimated 150,000 people are affected by the he reditary ataxias and related disorders in the United States. At present, there is no known cure. In an experimental treatment aimed at reconstructing the damaged pathway through exog enous neuronal supplementation, genetically ataxic mice have been used for intracerebral grafting of genetically healthy cerebellar neuroblasts, and evidence has been obtained for graft-induced en hancement of behavioral responses after bilateral cerebellar grafts. Such results are encouraging and underscore the potential of the neural grafting technique in restoring cerebellar function. How ever, many of the pathological and biochemical mechanisms in the interaction between grafted tissue and the host brain need to be further elucidated in extensive experimental studies, and great cau tion must be used in contemplating the theoretical feasibility of a possible application in humans.

This book is the culmination of fifteen years of research on the transplantation of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum of the weaver mouse (wv/wv), a neurological mutant characterized by genetically-determined degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons. This mutant constitutes the only available laboratory model with a chronic disorder that mimics Parkinson's disease. Structural and functional aspects of intrastriatal mesencephalic neuron grafting into the weaver model are reviewed, including histochemical correlates of graft survival and integration, numerical aspects of donor cell survival, ultrastructural findings on synaptogenesis, neurochemical indices of dopamine uptake and receptor binding, gene expression of structural and neurotransmitter-receptor related molecules, levels of striatal amino acid receptors, and behavioural effects of unilateral and bilateral neuronal transplantations.

During the last three decades, many laboratories worldwide have dedicated their research activities to understanding the roles of the cerebellum in motor control, cognitive processes and the biology of mental processes, behavioral symptoms and emotion. These advances have been associated with discoveries of new clinical disorders, in particular in the field of genetic ataxias, and the growing number of diseases presents a source of difficulty for clinicians during daily practice. This practical guide summarizes and evaluates current knowledge in the field of cerebellar disorders. Encompassing details of both common and uncommon cerebellar ataxias, including vascular, immune, neoplastic, infectious, traumatic, toxic and inherited disorders, this book will assist clinicians in the diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of cerebellar ataxias encountered in daily practice. Essential reading for clinicians, including general practitioners, neurologists, pediatricians, radiologists, psychiatrists and neuropsychologists, this will also prove a valuable tool for students, trainees and researchers.

The first comprehensive text on the cerebellum and its disorders for many years.

The authors present the most current and cutting-edge knowledge regarding the molecular basis of cerebellar development, focusing on information relevant to laboratory scientists and clinicians providing service to patients with cerebellar disorders. Knowledge obtained from advanced neuroimaging techniques that are used during development, and from molecular- and genetic-based studies has provided rapidly-growing evidence that the cerebellum is a brain region that is highly impacted by developmental defects. Cerebellar defects result in significant intellectual and motor function impairment that affects both the patients and their families.

"[A]ddresses how induced pluripotent stems cells can be differentiated into distinct progenitors. Progenitors are often the first step to making more differentiating cell types. This volume addresses a variety of iPSC-derived progenitors, such as neural stem cells, craniofacial mesenchymal progenitors, astrocyte progenitors, mesothelial progenitors, keratinocyte progenitors, bone progenitors, chondrocyte progenitors, dental pulp stem cells, nephron progenitors, mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and cancer stem cells. The volume is written for researchers and scientists in stem cell therapy, cellular and molecular biology, and regenerative medicine and is contributed by world-renowned authors in the field"--Page 4 of cover.