Umbilical cord blood, previously discarded after birth, has emerged over recent years as an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells for hematological reconstitution, mainly for leukemia patients, as well as for some hematological deficiencies and bone marrow failures. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that cord blood, as well as the surrounding tissue of the umbilical cord, contain additional stem cells which have been shown to be of great potential for regenerative medicine. Importantly, cord blood is abundant, it can be banked and shipped with ease, and thus has an indisputable potential for future medicines and regenerative therapies. Driven by a massive interest for regenerative medicine and alternative yet ethically acceptable stem cell sources, the scientific literature on umbilical cord and cord blood stem cells has increased tremendously. This book provides a consolidated, up-to-date overview of basic research on hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells contained within umbilical cord tissue, as well as other more recently described stem and precursor cells of not yet fully elucidated potential. It also takes an in-depth look at basic and translational research efforts with stem cells from the umbilical cord in academic institutions and biotech companies. Suitable for use as a primer and reference book by medical fellows and researchers entering the research fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, it can also be used by students (undergraduate and graduate) as a starting point for read-up on the literature on stem cells and their potential and applications, or as a teaching tool in graduate schools for biologists, particularly for students wanting to enter the emerging field of stem cell biology.

Stem cell biology has drawn tremendous interest in recent years as it promises cures for a variety of incurable diseases. This book deals with the basic and clinical aspects of stem cell research and involves work on the full spectrum of stem cells isolated today. It also covers the conversion of stem cell types into a variety of useful tissues which may be used in the future for transplantation therapy. It is thus aimed at undergraduates, postgraduates, scientists, embryologists, doctors, tissue engineers and anyone who wishes to gain some insight into stem cell biology. This book is important as it is comprehensive and covers all aspects of stem cell biology, from basic research to clinical applications. It will have 33 chapters written by renowned stem cell scientists worldwide. It will be up-to-date and all the chapters include self-explanatory figures, color photographs, graphics and tables. It will be easy to read and give the reader a complete understanding and state of the art of the exciting science and its applications.