Pluripotent Adult Stem Cells: A Potential Revolution in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

Authors

Tsz Kin Ng, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Daniel Pelaez, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Veronica R. Fortino, University of MiamiFollow
Jordan Greenberg, University of Miami
Herman S. Cheung, University of Miami

Document Type

Book Chapter

ISBN

978-953-51-1192-4

Publication Date

8-28-2013

Description

Stem cells have generated a lot of excitement among the researchers, clinicians and the public alike. Various types of stem cells are being evaluated for their regenerative potential. Marginal benefit resulting by transplanting autologus stem cells (deemed to be absolutely safe) in various clinical conditions has been proposed to be a growth factor effect rather than true regeneration. In contrast, various pre-clinical studies have been undertaken, using differentiated cells from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells have shown promise, functional improvement and no signs of teratoma formation. The scientists are not in a rush to reach the clinic but a handful of clinical studies have shown promise. This book is a collection of studies/reviews, beginning with an introduction to the pluripotent stem cells and covering various aspects like derivation, differentiation, ethics, etc., and hence would provide insight into the recent standing on the pluripotent stem cells biology. The chapters have been categorized into three sections, covering subjects ranging from the generation of pluripotent stem cells and various means of their derivation from embryonic as well as adult tissues, the mechanistic understanding of pluripotency and narrating the potential therapeutic implications of these in vitro generated cells in various diseases, in addition to the associated pros and cons in the same.

Publisher

InTech

Additional Information

This is an Open Access Book published by InTech under CC BY 3.0 licence. (c) The Authors.

Disciplines

Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering

NSUWorks Citation

Ng, Tsz Kin; Daniel Pelaez; Veronica R. Fortino; Jordan Greenberg; and Herman S. Cheung. Pluripotent Adult Stem Cells: A Potential Revolution in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering.: InTech.

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