Regulatory Networks in Stem Cells

Stem cells appear to be fundamental cellular units associated with the origin of multicellular organisms and have evolved to function in safeguarding the cellular homeostasis in organ t- sues. The characteristics of stem cells that distinguish them from other cells have been the fascinating subjects of stem cell research. The important properties of stem cells, such as ma- tenance of quiescence, self-renewal capacity, and differentiation potential, have propelled this exciting ?eld and presently form a common theme of research in developmental biology and medicine. The derivation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells, the prospective identi?cation of multipotent adult stem cells, and, more recently, the induced pluripotent stem cells (popularly called iPS) are important milestones in the arena of stem cell biology. Complex networks of transcription factors, different signaling molecules, and the interaction of genetic and epi- netic events constantly modulate stem cell behavior to evoke programming and reprogramming processes in normal tissue homeostasis during development. In any given cellular scenario, the regulatory networks can pose considerable complexity and yet exert an orderly control of stem cell differentiation during normal development. An aberration in these ?nely tuned processes during development usually results in a spectrum of diseases such as cancers and neurological disorders. Thisunderscorestheimminentneedforamorecompleteunderstandingofmolecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory circuitries required for stem cell maintenance. Overthepast3-5years,adiversegroupofbenchandphysicianscientistshaveprospectively enhanced our knowledge of stem cell biology. These studies are unveiling many unrecognized or previously unknown fundamentals ofdevelopmental biology.

This book brings together current advances in embryonic, adult, neural, hematopoietic, mesenchymal and pancreatic stem cell functions. The well presented chapters are authored by top-notch scientists in specialized areas of stem cell biology.

Incorporates all essential and relevant information in the study of stem cells

Molecular Regulation in Stem Cells.- The Molecular Basis of Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal.- Asymmetric Behavior in Stem Cells.- Determinants of Pluripotency in Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cells.- Maintenance of Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency by Nanog-Mediated Dedifferentiation of Committed Mesoderm Progenitors.- Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Germ Cell Development.- Genomic Stability in Stem Cells.- Genetic Manipulation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells.- Transcriptional Networks Regulating Embryonic Stem Cell Fate Decisions.- Use of Zebrafish to Dissect Gene Programs Regulating Hematopoietic Stem Cells.- HOXB4 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Regulation.- Telomere and Telomerase for the Regulation of Stem Cells.- The Role of Mitochondria in Stem Cell Biology.- Regulation by Stem Cell Niches.- Stem Cells and Stem Cell Niches in Tissue Homeostasis: Lessons from the Expanding Stem Cell Populations of Drosophila.- Extrinsic and Intrinsic Control of Germline Stem Cell Regulation in the Drosophila Ovary.- The Niche Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells.- Environmental Signals Regulating Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Growth and Differentiation.- Microenvironmental Regulation of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells.- Stem Cells, Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors.- Epigenetic Mechanisms in Stem Cells.- Stem Cell Epigenetics.- Epigenetic Signature of Embryonal Stem Cells: A DNA Methylation Perspective.- Epigenetic Basis for Differentiation Plasticity in Stem Cells.- Role of DNA Methylation and Epigenetics in Stem Cells.- DNA Methylation and the Epigenetic Program in Stem Cells.- Polycomb Group Protein Homeostasis in Stem Cell Identity - A Hypothetical Appraisal.- Signaling and Regulation in Select Stem Cell Types.- Signaling Pathways in Embryonic Stem Cells.- Regulation of Stem CellSystems by PI3K/Akt Signaling.- Endothelial Ontogeny During Embryogenesis: Role of Cytokine Signaling Pathways.- Signaling Networks in Mesenchymal Stem Cells.- Single-Cell Approaches to Dissect Cellular Signaling Networks.- Hematopoietic Stem Cells.- Renal Stem Cells and Kidney Regeneration.- The Endometrium: A Novel Source of Adult Stem/Progenitor Cells.- Epithelial Stem Cells and the Development of the Thymus, Parathyroid, and Skin.- Hepatic Stem Cells and Liver Development.- Disease Paradigms and Stem Cell Therapeutics.- The Idea and Evidence for the Tumor Stemness Switch.- The Role of the Tumor Suppressor Fhit in Cancer-Initiating Cells.- History of Cancer Stem Cells.- Immune Responses to Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells.- Leukemic Stem Cells: New Therapeutic Targets?.- Solid Tumor Stem Cells - Implications for Cancer Therapy.- Therapeutic Approaches to Target Cancer Stem Cells.- Preclinical Evidence for Cellular Therapy as a Treatment for Neurological Disease.- Improving Memory with Stem Cell Transplantation.