Comprehensive Guide to Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Practical Guide is a comprehensive book that covers the entire induced pluripotent stem cell basic work flow. It was developed from a training course and offers in-depth coverage of all aspects of Pluripotent Stem Cells (PSCs), including their functions and characteristics.

Understanding Pluripotent Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are unique cells that can divide indefinitely, self-renew, and differentiate to functionally reconstitute almost any cell in the normal developmental pathway, given the right conditions. They include embryonic, embryonic germ, and embryonic carcinoma stem cells.

Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

The book demonstrates the feeder-dependent and feeder-free culture of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), which are referred to as PSCs throughout the protocols. It also addresses the methods commonly used to determine pluripotency, as defined by self-renewal marker expression and differentiation potential.

Reprogramming and Differentiation of PSCs

Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Practical Guide offers concise and easily digestible sections on reprogramming and differentiation of PSCs. It provides helpful tips and tricks that are normally omitted from regular research papers, along with useful images to support the technical aspects and results visually, as well as diagrammatic illustrations.

Characterization of PSCs

The book includes detailed information on the characterization of PSCs, including the expression of self-renewal markers and the assessment of differentiation potential. It also covers the use of specific antibodies and other reagents, media, and solutions essential for PSC research.

Appendices and Resources

Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Practical Guide includes four appendixes containing valuable information on reagents, media, and solutions; common antibodies; consumable and equipment; and logs and forms. These resources are designed to support researchers in their daily work with PSCs.

Written by experts with extensive experience in stem cell technologies, this book is an ideal text for stem cell researchers, including principal investigators, and others in university and industry settings, as well as for new graduate students in PSC labs. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide to working with human pluripotent stem cells, covering all aspects from culture and reprogramming to differentiation and characterization.