Culture of Human Stem Cells by Glyn N. Stacey, R. Ian Freshney, Jonathan M. Auerbach

Synopsis

This book collects and focuses on commonly used and cutting-edge methods and protocols for deriving and culturing human embryonic and adult stem cells. It presents clear, concise information that is immediately useful and applicable. Each methods and protocols chapter is laid out exactly like the next, with stepwise protocols, preceded by specific requirements for that protocol, and a concise discussion of methods illustrated by data. Each chapter includes a comprehensive list of suppliers for all equipment used in the protocols presented, with complete contact information for the suppliers in a special appendix at the end of the book. Culture of Human Stem Cells also includes three general chapters on quality control, legal and ethical issues, and cryopreservation.

This concise, one-stop resource is an invaluable introduction to the field of stem cell biology and culture for all researchers and clinical scientists with interests in tissue replacement therapies. It is also an essential textbook for teachers and students who are involved with this fascinating and crucial area of study and the therapeutic potential of stem cell research.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD(Thomas Jefferson University)
Description:Stem cells are present at crossroads along the developmental landscape. In addition to self-renewal, these remarkable cells are able to "interpret" instructions regarding lineage and differentiation. This book details methods for derivation, culture, and differentiation of human stem cells obtained from both embryonic and adult sources. The 13 chapters cover topics ranging from culture of the human germ cell lineage to multipotent stem cells in dental pulp to culturing mammary stem cells. The primary focus of the book is on cell and developmental biology.
Purpose:According to the editors, the aim is to make available a "repertoire of established techniques...to [assist] the large influx of workers." They write, "This book provides a suitable introductory text that will allow incomers to the field...to become familiar with some of the techniques in current use, to increase their knowledge of the discipline, or to develop their own research program."
Audience:The book is written for basic science and clinical researchers, particularly those interested in current topics in developmental biology and the promise of stem cells. Biomedical scientists and clinicians interested in transplantation medicine will also appreciate the wealth of information and exciting ideas presented here.
Features:Each chapter includes a table of contents, introduction, list of essential materials, overviews for specific protocols, and step-by-step instructions for laboratory techniques. The authors provide examples of results from theirlaboratories. The chapters are written by experts and the book is carefully edited, while line drawings serve to illustrate conceptual points. Color plates convey the sense of excitement one has when viewing stem cells and their derivatives under the microscope. The book includes lists of abbreviations and laboratory suppliers.
Assessment:The principal value of this book lies in the diversity of topics. In addition to chapters on embryonic stem (ES) cells, interesting chapters cover the derivation of multipotential stem cells from mammary tissue, dental pulp, cornea, cord blood, and adipose tissue. The chapters are written for novices as well as experts. One caveat is that the numerical tags used for paragraph headings and tables are often jumbled. For example, we read an overview labeled "3.9.4.2" and simultaneously gaze at Table 3.4 and Table 3.10. Overall, this book is a welcome addition to the literature and the detailed protocols will provide useful tools to stimulate progress in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Biography

R. Ian Freshney, PhD, Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Oncology and Applied Pharmacology at the University of Glasgow, is the bestselling author of Culture of Animal Cells, which appeared in its fifth edition in 2005, and is the Series Editor for the Culture of Specialized Cells series (all published by Wiley).

Glyn N. Stacey, PhD, is Director of the United Kingdom Stem Cell Bank, and Head of the Cell Biology and Imaging Division at the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Dr. Stacey is internationally known and a sought-after speaker on safety and quality control issues in the use of stem cells.

Jonathan M. Auerbach, PhD, previously director of the Stem Cell Center, American Type Culture Collection, in Manassas, Virginia, is now a Project Leader with GlobalStem, Inc., in Rockville, Maryland, and has been at the forefront of human stem cell research for many years.