This book presents a long-term study in genetic isolates of indigenous small ethnics of Dagestan, located in the North-East part of Caucasus in Russia. Dagestan is characterized by extreme cultural and linguistic differences in a small geographic area and contains 26 indigenous ethnic groups. According to archeological data these indigenous highland ethnics have been living in the same area for more than ten thousand years. Our long-term population-genetic study of Dagestan indigenous ethnic groups indicates their close relation to each other and suggests that they evolved from one common ancestral meta-population. Dagestan has an extremely high genetic diversity between ethnic populations and a low genetic diversity within them. Such genetic isolates are exceptional resources for the detection of susceptibility genes for complex diseases because of the reduction in genetic and clinical heterogeneity. The founder effect and gene drift in these primary isolates may have caused aggregation of specific haplotypes with limited numbers of pathogenic alleles and loci in some isolates relative to others. The book presents a study in four ethnically and demographically diverse genetic isolates with aggregation of schizophrenia that we ascertained within our Dagestan Genetic Heritage Research Project. The results obtained support the notion that mapping genes of any complex disease (e.g., schizophrenia) in demographically older genetic isolates may be more time and cost effective due to their high clinical and genetic homogeneity, in comparison with demographically younger isolates, especially with genetically heterogeneous outbred populations.

This is a short and self-contained introduction to the field of mathematical modeling of gene-networks in bacteria. As an entry point to the field, we focus on the analysis of simple gene-network dynamics. The notes commence with an introduction to the deterministic modeling of gene-networks, with extensive reference to applicable results coming from dynamical systems theory. The second part of the notes treats extensively several approaches to the study of gene-network dynamics in the presence of noise-either arising from low numbers of molecules involved, or due to noise external to the regulatory process. The third and final part of the notes gives a detailed treatment of three well studied and concrete examples of gene-network dynamics by considering the lactose operon, the tryptophan operon, and the lysis-lysogeny switch. The notes contain an index for easy location of particular topics as well as an extensive bibliography of the current literature. The target audience of these notes are mainly graduates students and young researchers with a solid mathematical background (calculus, ordinary differential equations, and probability theory at a minimum), as well as with basic notions of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. They are meant to serve as a readable and brief entry point into a field that is currently highly active, and will allow the reader to grasp the current state of research and so prepare them for defining and tackling new research problems.

Originally published in 1913, this book presents the content of the Henry Sidgwick Memorial Lecture for 1912, which was delivered by James Ward at Newnham College, Cambridge. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in psychology, heredity and the history of science.

Translating microRNA to the Clinic reviews the possibilities of current methodological tools and experimental approaches used by leading translational researchers. The book features the uses of micro ribonucleic acid as deployed in cancer targeting in biomarkers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration, among many others. Pedagogically, the work concentrates on the latest knowledge, laboratory techniques, and experimental approaches used by translational research leaders in this field, promoting a cross-disciplinary communication between the sub-specialities of medicine, but in common with other books on the topic. In addition, the book emphasizes recent innovations, critical barriers to progress, the new tools that are being used to overcome them, and specific areas of research that require additional study to advance the field as a whole.

Motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment are major symptoms in both Huntington’s Disease (HD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). A breakthrough in HD research was the identification of the gene that causes this devastating monogenetic illness. Similarly, several genes were found to cause familial forms of PD. With their identification, a plethora of genetic animal models has been generated and has revolutionized the understanding of the pathobiology and pathophysiology of these disorders. The models allow us to study the earliest manifestations of the diseases behaviorally and neuropathologically and help us understand how they progress over time. Additionally, neurotoxic animal models are still of high interest to the PD field, as they are being used to study e.g. mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. This book focuses on animal models of both diseases and how they have helped and will continue to help understand the behavioral neurobiology in these disorders.

This volume presents the current state of laser-assisted bioprinting, a cutting edge tissue engineering technology. Nineteen chapters discuss the most recent developments in using this technology for engineering different types of tissue. Beginning with an overview, the discussion covers bioprinting in cell viability and pattern viability, tissue microfabrication to study cell proliferation, microenvironment for controlling stem cell fate, cell differentiation, zigzag cellular tubes, cartilage tissue engineering, osteogenesis, vessel substitutes, skin tissue and much more. Because bioprinting is on its way to becoming a dominant technology in tissue-engineering, Bioprinting in Regenerative Medicine is essential reading for those researching or working in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering or translational research. Those studying or working with stem cells who are interested in the development of the field will also find the information invaluable.

Organ transplantation has been the most important therapeutic advance in the last third of the 20th century. Its development has revolutionized medicine, as demonstrated by the fact that a large number of researchers in this field have been awarded Nobel Prizes. In the beginning of this century, we are witnessing with great expectations the emergence of a new field of medicine related to the arrival of a new player on the scene: "stem cells" and their potential use in regenerative medicine. This volume aims to cover important aspects of the various facets of organ transplantation and regenerative medicine, with leading specialists in these fields setting out their vision. We try to rigorously explain current and novel scientific research in these fields-areas which arouse great interest from society in general, due to their potential use in modern medicine for the treatment of a great number of diseases.

This comprehensive volume discusses in vitro laboratory development of insulin-producing cells. It encompasses multiple aspects of islet biology-from embryonic development and stem cell differentiation to clinical studies in islet transplantation, regulation of islet beta-cell regeneration, pancreatic progenitors, mathematical modelling of islet development, epigenetic regulation, and much more. The chapter authors represent leading laboratories from around the world who contribute their international perspectives and global expertise. Collectively, they provide the reader with a concise yet detailed knowledge of processes and current developments in islet regenerative biology. Pancreatic Islet Biology, part of the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series, is essential reading for researchers and clinicians in stem cells or endocrinology, especially those focusing on diabetes.

This manual offers detailed protocols for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization approaches, which have been successfully used to study various aspects of genomic behavior and alterations. Methods using different probe and cell types, tissues and organisms, such as mammalians, fish, amphibians (including lampbrush-chromosomes), insects, plants and microorganisms are described in 57 chapters. In addition to multicolor FISH procedures and special applications such as the characterization of marker chromosomes, breakpoints, cryptic aberrations, nuclear architectures and epigenetic changes, as well as comparative genomic hybridization studies, this 2nd edition describes how FISH can be combined with other techniques. The latter include immunostaining, electron microscopy, single cell electrophoresis and microdissection. This well-received application guide provides essential protocols for beginning FISHers and FISH experts alike working in the fields of human genetics, microbiology, animal and plant sciences.

This invaluable resource delineates procedures for development and use of stem cells in the laboratory and explores the potential for clinical applications. The text discusses mesenchymal stem cell isolation, isolation of adipose derived stem cells, new trends of induced pluripotent stem cells in disease treatment, cord blood banking, future directions of the discussed therapies and much more. The chapters are contributed by preeminent scientists in the field and present a comprehensive picture of stem cell processes, from development in the laboratory to effects and side-effects of clinical application. Stem Cell Processing and the other books in the Stem Cells in Clinical Applications series, edited by Dr. Phuc Van Pham, is essential reading for scientists, researchers, advanced students and clinicians working in stem cells, regenerative medicine or tissue engineering.

After sequencing the human genome a decade ago, researchers have continued their projects, but now to try to better understand how, and when, genes are expressed in health and disease. Efforts have been concentrated on the measurement of the expression of RNA transcripts. In an analogy to the genome, the term "transcriptome" was created to refer to the complete set of RNAs in a cell type or tissue in a particular situation. Transcriptomics is the science that studies this issue and it is a branch of functional genomics. Transcriptomics in Heath and Disease provides a comprehensive overview of the science of transcriptomics initially in health, focusing on the concept of the transcriptome and the main methods to evaluate it. The authors discuss the concept and use of gene expression signatures and transcriptional biomarkers in normal development and diseased tissues and organs. As the transcriptome changes depending on the pathology, there is also a focus on the variations in the gene expression in different diseases such as autoimmune, inflammation, cancer and infections. This book should be very useful for researchers in molecular biology focusing on gene expression, human genetics, immunology, and genomics.

Cell Therapy for Brain Injury is a thorough examination of using state-of-the-art cell therapy in the treatment of strokes and other traumatic brain injuries. This invaluable book covers this niche topic in depth from basic stem cell biology and principles of cell therapy through proposed mechanisms of action of cell therapy in stroke, pre-clinical data in stroke models, ongoing clinical trials, imaging and tracking of cells with MRI, neural stem cells in stroke and the "big pharma" perspective of cell therapy. Each chapter is written by well-known leaders in each field, thus providing a wealth of expertise. The breadth of this book makes it essential reading for neuroscientists, stem cell biologists, researchers or clinical trialists at pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. It also serves as a thorough introduction for graduate students or post-doctoral fellows who hope to work in these fields.

Immunity studies in sharks over the past three decades have produced some remarkable discoveries. If one message rings true, it is that alternative animal model systems, such as sharks and their relatives, have contributed very substantially to a better understanding of the development evolution of our own immune system. Immunobiology of the Shark describes the cellular, genetic, and molecular specifics of immune systems in sharks. Diverse approaches were employed to study the immunobiology of the shark from basic microscopic observations to detailed genome annotation. The book also raises a series of fascinating questions, which can be addressed experimentally using today's technology. This book will be a valuable resource for mainstream immunologists, comparative immunologists, geneticists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and investigators engaged in shark research. The book also aims to illustrate the magnificence of these animals as model systems and underscores the importance of their study to further understand their complex, and often enigmatic, biology.

This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in basic and translational research in the field of reconstructive transplantation and its potential therapeutic implications. Dr. Thomas E. Starzl and Dr. Raimund Margreiter, both pioneers in the field of transplantation, have written the foreword for the book. The volume spans such topics as skin rejection, immune monitoring, stem cell-based immunomodulatory strategies, costimulatory blockade, tolerance induction, chronic rejection, ischemia reperfusion injury, nerve regeneration, cortical reintegration, and small and large animal models for reconstructive transplantation. The book is intended for biomedical researchers and basic scientists in the field of reconstructive transplantation, transplant immunology and regenerative medicine, as well as clinicians, surgeons and multidisciplinary specialists, who are practicing or interested in this novel and exciting field. Postgraduate fellows and students will also find it a valuable reference.

Chromatin Signaling and Diseases covers the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression, which govern everything from embryonic development, growth, and human pathologies associated with aging, such as cancer. This book helps researchers learn about or keep up with the quickly expanding field of chromatin signaling. After reading this book, clinicians will be more capable of explaining the mechanisms of gene expression regulation to their patients to reassure them about new drug developments that target chromatin signaling mechanisms. For example, several epigenetic drugs that act on chromatin signaling factors are in clinical trials or even approved for usage in cancer treatments, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. Other epigenetic drugs are in development to regulate various class of chromatin signaling factors. To keep up with this changing landscape, clinicians and doctors will need to stay familiar with genetic advances that translate to clinical practice, such as chromatin signaling. Although sequencing of the human genome was completed over a decade ago and its structure investigated for nearly half a century, molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression remain largely misunderstood. An emerging concept called chromatin signaling proposes that small protein domains recognize chemical modifications on the genome scaffolding histone proteins, facilitating the nucleation of enzymatic complexes at specific loci that then open up or shut down the access to genetic information, thereby regulating gene expression. The addition and removal of chemical modifications on histones, as well as the proteins that specifically recognize these, is reviewed in Chromatin Signaling and Diseases. Finally, the impact of gene expression defects associated with malfunctioning chromatin signaling is also explored.

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.

Our lives and well being intimately depend on the exploitation of the plant genetic resources available to our breeding programs. Therefore, more extensive exploration and effective exploitation of plant genetic resources are essential prerequisites for the release of improved cultivars. Accordingly, the remarkable progress in genomics approaches and more recently in sequencing and bioinformatics offers unprecedented opportunities for mining germplasm collections, mapping and cloning loci of interest, identifying novel alleles and deploying them for breeding purposes. This book collects 48 highly interdisciplinary articles describing how genomics improves our capacity to characterize and harness natural and artificially induced variation in order to boost crop productivity and provide consumers with high-quality food. This book will be an invaluable reference for all those interested in managing, mining and harnessing the genetic richness of plant genetic resources.

Updating and building upon previous editions, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Protocols, Third Edition provides up-to-date protocols from leading stem cell researchers. This in-depth volume presents a clear view of the landscape of assays available to the stem cell researcher working in the growing hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) field. A robust and active field, it is supported by an abundance of innovative mouse models and molecular tools for analysis of phenotypes and functions in mouse and human cells. Understanding more about hematopoietic stem cell biology is integral if these versatile cells are to be applied effectively to treat and cure a wide range of blood diseases. An introductory chapter puts the major contributions of the book into the proper perspective. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Essential for the laboratory-based researcher, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Protocols, Third Edition is a much needed technical resource in the critically important field of hematopoietic stem cell investigation.

The information given in this book tries to capture the essence of the sheer dynamicity of the cell along with useful tips on how to address critical rate limiting steps in the process of exploration and investigation of its capacity to regenerate, rebuild and replenish from within. The definitions of stem cells, stemness, and the niche concept continue to undergo revisions. In adult vertebrates, hematopoietic and some non-hematopoietic progenitors are synthesized within specialized niches of bone marrow. They migrate to designated tissues, and are either trans-differentiated or become quiescent and settle down. These form the stem cell niche reservoir in all tissues. Not only the primary hematopoietic tissue but all organs and tissues are also capable of generating progenitors which are either synthesized from these migrants or are direct recruits from other tissues. In the niches, the cells settle down and await their turn to either make more clones like themselves or differentiate and mobilize in an exigency. Thus progenitors are important reserves, to be multiplied and deployed or travel as important message bearing molecules via blood as circulating progenitors which can home to their allocated destinations. Upon reaching, specific integrins and selectins help them “dock� and “port� and they may be reprogrammed to induce further differentiation and help repopulate the denuded tissue. In pulmonary fibrosis and asthma, progenitors from both systemic circulation and local stem cell niches have been found to participate in the myriad ramifications of repair, replacement and regeneration of lost or diseased tissue. Whether they are lung specific or global in origin and role remain to be explored. Research tools, fundamental concepts, techniques, methodologies and standard operating protocols and animal models and human extrapolations, have been discussed in a concise way along with detailed description and discussion on the appropriate rationale to introduce the subject to the casual reader and provide valuable tactical information to the specialist in Regenerative Medicine. I sincerely hope you enjoy the work and appreciate the hard work that has gone into designing and executing elegant experiments by many researchers in the field. The branch is multi-disciplinary and I hope that the readers will not be limited to biologists alone.

The second edition of Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed methods on HLA, minor-HLA and Killer Immunoglobulin Like Receptor typing. With new chapters on immunophenotyping and functional characterization of stem cells are included. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation, Second Edition serves as a guide in the application of molecular methods for routine or investigational purposes.

This new edition presents principle methods in capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation involving CZE, MEKC, MECC, NACE, and corresponding hyphenated techniques to organic mass spectrometry and ICP-MS. Recent developments in the techniques of single cell analysis, as well as derivation, enantioseparation or the use of ionic liquids, and the use of CZE for the separation of living cells are also highlighted. This book discusses various application methods for the analysis of small ions, organic acids, amino acids, and (poly)saccharides to peptides that are shown with pollutants and biomarkers in food and health. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting edge and thorough, Capillary Electrophoresis: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition covers a wide field of interests and will be especially great for beginners and students because of its combined focus on mini-reviews and application notes that will help them quickly get an overview of the field.

Stem Cells and Tissue Repair: Methods and Protocols presents in-depth methods for the three major approaches of rejuvenating an aging or sick body: latent regenerative capacity stimulated in a targeted way, replacement organs grown de novo and surgically implanted, and tissue surgically implanted and coaxed to integrate and restore problem areas. The first approach taps into the latent regenerative capacity of particular tissues, such as muscle, skin, fat, or bone marrow. The second approach induces and grows pluripotent stem cells, drives their differentiation along certain pathways such as germ layers, neural crest, liver, teeth or retina, and cultures organs such as pancreas and heart. While the third approach involves various engraftment techniques for neural tissue. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Stem Cells and Tissue Repair: Methods and Protocols provides state-of the-art methods descriptions and the references therein that will provide a suitable starting point for exploring the vast literature that has already developed for regenerative medicine.

This volume explores the latest developments in a novel area of molecular biology and a hot topic in the field of oncology: cancer stem cells. These chapters from expert contributing authors present concepts such as the universal stem cell, new molecular pathways, new targeted agents, the different roles that cancer stem cells seem to have according to the organ they are placed in, and the future role that targeting cancer stem cells may have in the management of patients in the clinic. Exploring the latest research including new data from randomized trials, this book examines important proposals over the origin of cancer stem cells such as the possibility that cancer stem cells may arise from mutated stem cells or a fully differentiated cell that may undergo several mutations that drive it back to a stem-like state. The authors consider the role that stem cells seem to have in the onset, development and resistance to classical antitumoral treatments of cancer and discuss possible potential future treatment modalities for the management of advanced cancer patients. The question, "Are stem cells involved in cancer?" may not have a simple answer, but ongoing investigations, in-depth consideration and a broad spectrum of information can be found in this book, allowing the reader to arrive at his or her own answer. This book will appeal to researchers in the field of oncology and cancer research and biomedical scientists with an interest in stem cells.

In Animal Models for Stem Cell Therapy: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail disease models of hepatic, cardiovascular, neurological diseases, connective and contractile tissue. Chapters focus on a wide range of diseases and application of different kinds of stem cells and reprogrammed tissue cells (iPS). Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Animal Models for Stem Cell Therapy: Methods and Protocols, covers interest of basic scientists and clinicians to assess the biological as well as the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy.

This comprehensive volume is the first to specifically target developing, adult and diseased neural stem cells. It explores recent advances in the understanding of neural stem cell biology along with strategies that use these cells to tackle neurological diseases and brain aging. Ten inclusive chapters discuss a wide range of topics including neurogenesis, neurodegeneration, demyelinating disease, mood regulation, and spinal cord regeneration, among others. Written by world-renowned scientists in the field, Neural Stem Cells in Development, Adulthood and Disease presents cutting-edge studies of interest to both established neurogenesis researchers and readers with general interests in nervous system science. It is an authoritative addition to the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series.