Adult Stem Cells

This comprehensive overview of what is a vital area of scientific enquiry covers a broad spectrum of issues. With contributions from some of the key researchers in the field, Adult Stem Cells: Biology and Methods of Analysis offers readers historical perspective as well as unique insights into cutting-edge thinking. The volume contextualizes the recent discovery of stem/progenitor cell populations resident in many adult tissues and organs. It confronts the complexities scientists face in trying to validate these cells and describes and critically evaluates the methods currently used to assess stem cell self-renewal. The chapters also seek to distinguish this process from other aspects of cell survival, such as the regulation of life span, senescence, and immortalization at a molecular level. Beginning with a section examining the basic biology of adult stem cells, including chapters on the emerging role of microRNAs in regulating their fate and the molecular mechanisms that govern their self-renewal, the book moves on to analyze the varying methodologies employed in characterizing these elusive elements of our genetic make-up. This second section details in-vivo lineage tracing of tissue-specific stem cells, explores the neural stem cell paradigm, and considers the function of ABC transporters and aldehyde dehydrogenase in adult stem-cell biology. The third section focuses on life-span regulation and immortalization and features a chapter on the cancer stem cell paradigm. This authoritative volume on one of the frontiers of genetic research will serve as a valuable resource, not just for established scientists but also for those now entering the field of stem cell biology.